Kyle Blanks vs. Matt LaPorta
by hero66 on Feb 14, 2010 12:19 AM EST
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I'm wondering what the community thinks about these two players. Both look to be .250-.260 hitters with a good OBP, lots of homers, and bad defense. Both are entering their first full seasons as starters.
LaPorta was the more heralded prospect coming up, but is the gap between the two still that big? What do you expect from these guys in 2010 and beyond?
I still need nine more words. Almost there. Finished.
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I disagree with a few of your assertions
I don’t think Blanks will play particularly bad defense at first. He looked passable there in the minors. Plus, Blanks has much, much more power potential than LaPorta. I also think Blanks has a better hit tool (certainly better than .250-.260), and I like Blanks’ plate discipline more than LaPorta’s. Really, Blanks is the better prospect across the board.
Well Blanks is going to play in the OF in SD
And I doubt he can hold up there.
I might have sold both short AVG-wise, though.
"Chicks dig the long ball, although fat chicks will settle for warning track power" - Nick Diamond
-1
I think they’re a wash defensively – both pretty bad in the outfield and passable at first (although if Gonzalez isn’t dealt, it’s only OF for Blanks), and while I agree that Blanks has much more power, I think LaPorta will hit for a higher average. I see LaPorta in the .280-.290 range and Blanks closer to .250.
The wind is in the buffalo.
why?
why would you expect Blanks to be a 250 hitter when he hit over 280 at every stop and has hit over 300 in the minors. . .He’s not a huge strikeout guy, has always made contact. ..
? (!)
He’s not a huge strikeout guy
Define “huge strikeout guy” for me.
Its gonna take a real song and dance to find a definition that doesnt include Blanks. He’s a huge strikeout guy. His minor league K rates look like: 25.6%, 21.1%, 18.3%, 27% and in his MLB debut he struck out a staggering 37.2% of the time.
What I would say is that “he’s not a huge walks guy” – and that’s another thing that troubles me (though he’s not Chris Davis bad or anything).
my bad
i glanced at his stats w/o drinking my coffee i guess. . .just noticed he hadn’t K’d 100 times in a season, but didn’t realize his lack of games each year.
by SoCalSoxFan on Feb 14, 2010 12:26 PM EST up reply actions
Blanks vs. Laporta
CHONE and ZiPS like Blanks slightly more for 2010 despite him being a year and a half younger. Defensively, the fans like Blanks slightly more too, as well do TZ projections.
I would give LaPorta the edge pretty much everywhere, even power.
Not sure when the Blanks bandwagon got so far out of control but LaPorta was a better prospect and will be the better player.
agreed
maybe they’re about even in power (Blanks is 6’6 275, after all) but LaPorta wins on everything else
by PrincetonCubs on Feb 14, 2010 3:50 PM EST up reply actions
Right.
Until 2009 Blanks’ power was actually a bit of question, though it was assumed he would have more because he’s a hulking behemoth and all. SNTS because of sexy surface numbers in his MLB debut, IMO.
true
he did have 20+ hrs/500+ slg at A and AA at a good ARL, which may not live up to his size, but it was definitely a legit power display in the minors
by PrincetonCubs on Feb 14, 2010 10:34 PM EST up reply actions
Blanks
I would be shocked if AGonz was not dealt this season. He is VERY cheap as far as players of his stature go, but that only adds to his trade value. Living in SD, I would hate to see him go, but the Pads would be stupid not to deal him for a package of young studs since they dont have a realistic shot at contending.
Not sure if Blanks will ever be a gold glove at 1st, but from what I have heard he will at least be avg. Heard on local radio that he lost 20 pounds or so in the offseason and toned up and added strength.
Blanks will strike out plenty, but his power in unreal. Right now Dunn is a good comp for him, although he is young enough to close some of those holes and hit for decent avg.
LaPorta long term
This season Blanks may be better, long term I have much more confidence betting that LaPorta will stay healthy/productive. Blanks is so big, the odds are against him that his body is going to be able to handle the grind year after year. Its hard enough for the regular player, for a guy that size it is going to be really tough for him.
by GoldenSpikes24 on Feb 14, 2010 11:30 AM EST reply actions
LaPorta
Why does he look to be a .250-.260 hitter? In the minors, he hit between .288 and .318, including .299 at AAA. His K/BB rate is not out of control, his K rate is not horrible, he has decent plate discipline (14.5% K rate in AAA vs. 10.2% BB rate). Sure, he struggled a bit when reaching the majors, but I think he’s a solid bet to bounce back. I mean, the guy was a top 10 prospect at one point.
Long term, I see Blanks as the better power hitter, but LaPorta as the better all around player.
Blanks by a small margin
I think they project very similarly, but the extra playing time for Blanks and the possibility of him settling into a regular role sooner will accelerate his development.
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