All of the following reports come from Twitter and are from today unless otherwise noted:
13th round 1B Casey "Ory" Kalenkosky:
When asked what Texas State players had signed/would sign, Tyler Manforth of the San Marcos Daily Record said: "@BryDanElsn Smith hadn't signed last I talked to him, neither has Kalenkosky. I doubt Sibley would either. #TXST should be good." @smdrtyler
Tyler was kind enough to reply to my further questioning, saying "From what I've heard, Ory had a certain amount of money he wanted and if he's not getting it, he's coming back. #TXST."
14th round OF Cody Stubbs:
The Asheville Citizen-Times' twitter account came out with this today: "Tuscola baseball alum Cody Stubbs looks to be headed to UNC rather than signing with Washington Nationals #mlb... fb.me/14oDJc3PW." @acthshuddle
31st round OF Josh Tobias:
Cody Jones of FightinGators.com and Scout.com wrote the following about Tobias on Wednesday, August 10: "#Gators utility player signee Josh Tobias said he isnt talking to the Nationals anymore after they took him in the 31st round. He'll b at UF."
46th round OF Tyler Thompson:
Cody Jones also provided the following updates on Thompson today:
"Might sound weird, but the #Gators player/signee Im most interested in following is 46th round OF Tyler Thompson. He could definitely sign." (from ~2 pm).
"Hearing #Gators OF Tyler Thompson cut off talks with the Nationals and will return for his senior year." (from ~5 pm).
Obviously these four won't be the only to not sign, but they were all potential over-slot guys who draftniks like myself figured might sign if guys like Purke fell through. Hawtin Buchanan, Josh Laxer, Derrick Bleeker and Brett Mooneyham are some names to watch in that situation.
UPDATE 9:35 PM
According to Jim Callis of Baseball America, 4th round pick LHP Kylin Turnbull of Santa Barbara CC has signed for $325,000, about $100,000 above the slot recommendation for the pick. Here is my profile of Turnbull, a lefty with a nice fastball (94 mph now, and at 6'5" and 195 lbs, has room to add more velocity).
UPDATE 9:45 PM
Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus just tweeted: "Rumors that Purke will sign with the #Nationals . . . stronger than ever." Rumors are just rumors, but it's still exciting!
UPDATE 10 PM
@FungoFrogTCU on Twitter reportedly has sources that say Purke will sign a ML deal with the Nats. "Things I'm sure on: Deal is close/done, being held, more than $3M w/ a multi year pro contract." Until I hear it from a national baseball writer or local beat writer, I'll remain skeptical, but it's good news for now, especially at the price of $4 mil or below.
UPDATE 11:53 PM
Jon Heyman of SI reports the Nats have signed Brian Goodwin to a deal with a $3 million SB.
UPDATE 12:00 AM
Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post reports that the Nats have agreed to sign Rendon, Meyer and Purke, with dollar amounts yet to be disclosed.
UPDATE 12:15 AM
John Manuel says Meyer's SB is $2 mil.
UPDATE 12:20 AM
John Heyman of SI reports that Rendon signed a $7.2 million guaranteed ML deal with the Nats.
UPDATE 12:25 AM
Jim Callis of Baseball America says Purke's deal is worth around $4.4 mil and is an ML deal.
Showing posts with label Rendon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rendon. Show all posts
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Nats "expected to sign" top 4 picks?
Per Adam Kilgore of the Post: "Rizzo has spoken with the representatives for the players but hasn’t made significant headway. Again, though, it would be more surprising if the Nationals were nearing agreements. The Nationals are still expected to sign all four players by the deadline." I'm not surprised at all about Rendon, Goodwin and Meyer, but Purke is expected to sign? Yipee!
Signing all 4 of these guys (plus Kylin Turnbull, the Nats' 4th rounder) would be HUGE. If all of them do sign, I would put my Nats top prospects list as follows:
(note - I edited these on 8/8/11 at 5 pm EST. Original list can be found in the comments)
1 - Bryce Harper
2 - Anthony Rendon
3 - Matt Purke
4 - Brad Peacock
5 - A.J. Cole
6 - Derek Norris
7 - Alex Meyer
8 - Brian Goodwin
9 - Destin Hood
10 - Chris Marrero
11 - Robbie Ray
12 - Sammy Solis
13 - Stephen Lombardozzi
14 - Tom Milone
15 - Brad Meyers
16 - Eury Perez
17 - Zach Walters
18 - Erik Komatsu
19 - David Freitas
20 - Kylin Turnbull
21 - Danny Rosenbaum
22 - Matt Skole
23 - Rick Hague
24 - Jack McGeary
25 - Josh Smoker
26 - Tyler Moore
27 - J.P. Ramirez
28 - Randolph Oduber
29 - Jason Martinson
30 - Corey Brown
What do you guys think about a list like this?
Also, head on over to 2011 Nationals Draft Info and check out each player's profile: Rendon, Meyer, Goodwin and Purke.
Signing all 4 of these guys (plus Kylin Turnbull, the Nats' 4th rounder) would be HUGE. If all of them do sign, I would put my Nats top prospects list as follows:
(note - I edited these on 8/8/11 at 5 pm EST. Original list can be found in the comments)
1 - Bryce Harper
2 - Anthony Rendon
3 - Matt Purke
4 - Brad Peacock
5 - A.J. Cole
6 - Derek Norris
7 - Alex Meyer
8 - Brian Goodwin
9 - Destin Hood
10 - Chris Marrero
11 - Robbie Ray
12 - Sammy Solis
13 - Stephen Lombardozzi
14 - Tom Milone
15 - Brad Meyers
16 - Eury Perez
17 - Zach Walters
18 - Erik Komatsu
19 - David Freitas
20 - Kylin Turnbull
21 - Danny Rosenbaum
22 - Matt Skole
23 - Rick Hague
24 - Jack McGeary
25 - Josh Smoker
26 - Tyler Moore
27 - J.P. Ramirez
28 - Randolph Oduber
29 - Jason Martinson
30 - Corey Brown
What do you guys think about a list like this?
Also, head on over to 2011 Nationals Draft Info and check out each player's profile: Rendon, Meyer, Goodwin and Purke.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Interview with Syracuse 2B Matt Antonelli
A lot of players would have given up after missing almost two full seasons of their career due to injury, but not Matt Antonelli. The former 1st round pick and top 50 prospect stuck it out through injuries, rehab and being non-tendered by the only team he had ever played for, the Padres. Now, he's killing the ball in AAA Syracuse, hitting .364/.430/.545 in 21 games. Matt is an avid blogger and one of the most approachable players in the game and was kind enough to answer some questions for me pertaining to both him and the draft. Thanks again, Matt!
1) As a former 1st round pick, what advice do you have for Anthony Rendon, Alex Meyer and Brian Goodwin, the Nats' three 1st rounders this season?
Well I wouldn't do anything different just because you are a high round pick. The way I looked at it when I got drafted was that every player in the organization is now in the same boat, and the guys that will ultimately make it to the Major Leagues will be the best players and the guys that can help the big league team win ball games. No matter where you are picked there is still a long way to go before you reach your ultimate goal, so you have to continue to work hard each and every day.
2) What do you attribute your early success to in 2011? Does it have anything to do with finally being healthy after being plagued with injuries over the past few years?
Well, it has a little bit to do with being healthy and a little bit to do with me really working on my swing over the past few years. I would attribute more of the success to my swing and not my health, but it was tough at times to hit with some of the pain I was experiencing in my hand. Basically I had gotten into some really bad habits in 2008 and the little bit of 2009 that I was able to play in. After the 2009 season I worked really hard with a hitting coach that got me out of those bad habits and helped me regain what I was doing earlier in my career. So far I've been able to repeat a lot of those things and hopefully will be able to continue to do so.
3) While you're not known for your power, you did hit 21 HR in in the minors in 2007. Should we expect similar power in the future, or was that outburst more of an outlier?
Yeah, I've never been a big power hitter. I'm more of a line drive hitter who usually has a good amount of doubles. I'm just looking to get a good pitch and put a good swing on it. If the ball happens to go out of the ballpark then that is just a bonus.
4) How would you describe your future with the Nationals? Did they tell you "you need to hit ________ to get called up" or anything like that?
I get asked this question probably about ten times a day from people. The truth is whether it is moving up or down from Single-A, Double-A, Triple-A, or the Major Leagues you really have no idea why, when, or how it will happen. Our job as players is just to go out and play as well as we can. That is really the only thing we can control so that is the only thing we worry about.
5) What does a typical day look like for you, from waking up to going to sleep after a 7 pm game?
When we are home in Syracuse my typical day will be to wake up around 10 AM and eat breakfast. I will relax around my apartment for a few hours, watching TV, writing on my blog, maybe reading a book. At around 2 PM I will pick up lunch and head to the field to eat. At about 3 PM is when my actual baseball day will start. I will stretch out and hit in the batting cage around then. At 4 PM I will go out on my field for an hour or so of batting practice. From about 5:15 PM until about 6 PM I like to eat a snack and relax in the clubhouse. At 6 PM I will start getting ready for that night's game. I'll jump in the hot tub to loosen up, take a shower, then start to stretch out. At 6:40 PM I will head out to the field to loosen up again for the game which starts at 7 PM. Usually the game ends around 10 PM when I will shower up and either eat dinner at the field or head out to eat. I usually get back to my apartment around 11:30 PM or so. By this time I'm pretty tired so I'll get on my sofa with my computer until around 12:30 or 1 and then start to fall asleep before I wake up the next day and do it all over again.
6) As a supplement to that, what do you and your teammates do to hang out and stuff?
Well, I hang out with my teammates a lot more on the road than I do at home. When I'm on the road we will eat together a lot. I love movies so a group of us will usually try to catch a flick after a Sunday day game. Other than that we do pretty much the same stuff that everyone else does when they hang out with friends. We are at the field for the majority of the day so most of the time we spend with each other is there.
7) A lot of people who follow the Nationals are wondering if 2B could be a long-term fit for 1st round pick Anthony Rendon. How difficult was the transition from 3B to 2B for you?
Well, I went to Wake Forest to play middle infield but had to move to 3rd because we didn't have anyone to play over there. I think the transition was easier for me because I grew up playing SS throughout most of my life. I guess it all depends on the player, how athletic they are, how big or small they are, and what positions they have played in the past. I've seen some guys that can play anywhere on the diamond and I've seen some guys that can't. It all really depends. I think a lot of people believe that baseball players can play any position on the field, but when it comes to playing a position in the Major Leagues that really isn't the case.
8) How does it feel to see Nationals infielders struggle in the big leagues when you think that you can do better yourself?
I actually don't worry too much about how the guys ahead of me or behind me are doing. I really can't control how anyone else plays but myself, so I try to worry about that and that's it. If I play well and handle my business then everything will work out in the end.
9) To this point, what is your proudest accomplishment in your baseball career?
I guess I would have to say making my Major League debut. That is something I had wanted to do since I was young, and when I got drafted in 2006 that was obviously my goal. Now I want to get back to the Major Leagues and have a successful career. That is my main goal right now and what keeps me working hard everyday.
10) What is your favorite road city to play in, and why?
Well I loved San Diego. I think that is one of the best cities in the country for sure. I also really enjoyed playing in DC when I was with the Padres. When it comes to Major League cities there really isn't much to complain about. This is my basically my fourth full season in the minor leagues and you end up playing in a lot of interesting places. Playing long enough in the minors will make you really appreciate any city in the MLB. Thanks for the questions and thanks for reading!
1) As a former 1st round pick, what advice do you have for Anthony Rendon, Alex Meyer and Brian Goodwin, the Nats' three 1st rounders this season?
Well I wouldn't do anything different just because you are a high round pick. The way I looked at it when I got drafted was that every player in the organization is now in the same boat, and the guys that will ultimately make it to the Major Leagues will be the best players and the guys that can help the big league team win ball games. No matter where you are picked there is still a long way to go before you reach your ultimate goal, so you have to continue to work hard each and every day.
2) What do you attribute your early success to in 2011? Does it have anything to do with finally being healthy after being plagued with injuries over the past few years?
Well, it has a little bit to do with being healthy and a little bit to do with me really working on my swing over the past few years. I would attribute more of the success to my swing and not my health, but it was tough at times to hit with some of the pain I was experiencing in my hand. Basically I had gotten into some really bad habits in 2008 and the little bit of 2009 that I was able to play in. After the 2009 season I worked really hard with a hitting coach that got me out of those bad habits and helped me regain what I was doing earlier in my career. So far I've been able to repeat a lot of those things and hopefully will be able to continue to do so.
3) While you're not known for your power, you did hit 21 HR in in the minors in 2007. Should we expect similar power in the future, or was that outburst more of an outlier?
Yeah, I've never been a big power hitter. I'm more of a line drive hitter who usually has a good amount of doubles. I'm just looking to get a good pitch and put a good swing on it. If the ball happens to go out of the ballpark then that is just a bonus.
4) How would you describe your future with the Nationals? Did they tell you "you need to hit ________ to get called up" or anything like that?
I get asked this question probably about ten times a day from people. The truth is whether it is moving up or down from Single-A, Double-A, Triple-A, or the Major Leagues you really have no idea why, when, or how it will happen. Our job as players is just to go out and play as well as we can. That is really the only thing we can control so that is the only thing we worry about.
5) What does a typical day look like for you, from waking up to going to sleep after a 7 pm game?
When we are home in Syracuse my typical day will be to wake up around 10 AM and eat breakfast. I will relax around my apartment for a few hours, watching TV, writing on my blog, maybe reading a book. At around 2 PM I will pick up lunch and head to the field to eat. At about 3 PM is when my actual baseball day will start. I will stretch out and hit in the batting cage around then. At 4 PM I will go out on my field for an hour or so of batting practice. From about 5:15 PM until about 6 PM I like to eat a snack and relax in the clubhouse. At 6 PM I will start getting ready for that night's game. I'll jump in the hot tub to loosen up, take a shower, then start to stretch out. At 6:40 PM I will head out to the field to loosen up again for the game which starts at 7 PM. Usually the game ends around 10 PM when I will shower up and either eat dinner at the field or head out to eat. I usually get back to my apartment around 11:30 PM or so. By this time I'm pretty tired so I'll get on my sofa with my computer until around 12:30 or 1 and then start to fall asleep before I wake up the next day and do it all over again.
6) As a supplement to that, what do you and your teammates do to hang out and stuff?
Well, I hang out with my teammates a lot more on the road than I do at home. When I'm on the road we will eat together a lot. I love movies so a group of us will usually try to catch a flick after a Sunday day game. Other than that we do pretty much the same stuff that everyone else does when they hang out with friends. We are at the field for the majority of the day so most of the time we spend with each other is there.
7) A lot of people who follow the Nationals are wondering if 2B could be a long-term fit for 1st round pick Anthony Rendon. How difficult was the transition from 3B to 2B for you?
Well, I went to Wake Forest to play middle infield but had to move to 3rd because we didn't have anyone to play over there. I think the transition was easier for me because I grew up playing SS throughout most of my life. I guess it all depends on the player, how athletic they are, how big or small they are, and what positions they have played in the past. I've seen some guys that can play anywhere on the diamond and I've seen some guys that can't. It all really depends. I think a lot of people believe that baseball players can play any position on the field, but when it comes to playing a position in the Major Leagues that really isn't the case.
8) How does it feel to see Nationals infielders struggle in the big leagues when you think that you can do better yourself?
I actually don't worry too much about how the guys ahead of me or behind me are doing. I really can't control how anyone else plays but myself, so I try to worry about that and that's it. If I play well and handle my business then everything will work out in the end.
9) To this point, what is your proudest accomplishment in your baseball career?
I guess I would have to say making my Major League debut. That is something I had wanted to do since I was young, and when I got drafted in 2006 that was obviously my goal. Now I want to get back to the Major Leagues and have a successful career. That is my main goal right now and what keeps me working hard everyday.
10) What is your favorite road city to play in, and why?
Well I loved San Diego. I think that is one of the best cities in the country for sure. I also really enjoyed playing in DC when I was with the Padres. When it comes to Major League cities there really isn't much to complain about. This is my basically my fourth full season in the minor leagues and you end up playing in a lot of interesting places. Playing long enough in the minors will make you really appreciate any city in the MLB. Thanks for the questions and thanks for reading!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Nationals Draft History: Anthony Rendon
Okay, I guess I'm pushing today's theme a little bit (if you haven't already seen them, check out Nationals Draft History: 2005-07 and 2008-10). But, as a history teacher, I'm supposed to tell you that history is made every day. Today, the Nationals selected Anthony Rendon with the 6th overall pick in the 2011 draft. Don't let the 6th overall pick fool you; Rendon is the best player in the draft. That makes it three straight years that the Nationals have picked the best player. The Rice University 3B is known for excellent defense, great bat speed and plate discipline. He played a little 2B this year and may be able to play there permanently, but his position isn't what is important right now.
Rendon fell to the Nationals due to his recent injury history. With two severe ankle injuries in the past and a current shoulder strain, teams were a little scared off. Still, when a team has the ability to take the best player available in the entire draft with the #6 overall pick, they need to do it as long as said player has two arms, two legs, two eyes, etc.
Here are Rendon's stats in college:
2009: .388/.468/.702. 94 H/242 AB, 60 R, 14 2B, 1 3B, 20 HR, 72 RBI, 9/11 SB, 31 BB/23 K
2010: .394/.539/.801. 89 H/226 AB, 83 R, 12 2B, 1 3B, 26 HR, 85 RBI, 14/18 SB, 65 BB/22 K
2011: .327/.520/.523. 70 H/214 AB, 58 R, 20 2B, 2 3B, 6 HR, 37 RBI, 13/18 SB, 80 BB/33 K
Some notes on Rendon (in order of the most recent post/article):
From John Sickels, Minor League Ball, 6/14/2011:
"Although everyone is wondering exactly how bad those medical reports must be, even if Rendon's arm can't handle third base any more, his bat is still excellent."
From John Sickels, Minor League Ball/Baseball Nation, 6/6/2011:
"Rendon was long projected as the top position player in the 2011 draft, thanks to his power, superior hitting skills, superb plate discipline, and excellent defense at third base. However, he was hampered by shoulder injuries all spring, limiting him to DH most of the time and causing teams to wonder if he can remain at third...Rendon's ETA to the major leagues, and perhaps even his position, will depend on how his shoulder recovers. Reports/rumors are mixed, but it seems that the Mariners (expected to pick him second overall) may have been scared off by his medical reports. If his arm is OK, Rendon has the tools and skills to reach the major leagues very quickly, within two years and perhaps just a single year without further physical setbacks. A healthy Rendon projects as an on-base machine with good power and excellent defensive ability at third base. The Nationals may have a steal here."
From Marc Hulet, FanGraphs 2011 Draft Live Blog, 6/6/2011:
From Larry Stone, The Seattle Times, 6/6/2011:
"Going into this year, Rendon was the consensus No. 1 pick, and no one thought the Mariners had a chance to get him at No. 2. Three things changed: One, Cole got off to a sensational start and developed a changeup to supplement a fastball that gained in velocity to occasionally over 100 mph. Two, Rendon got a shoulder strain that raised issues about whether he is injury prone while limiting him to DH duties most of the year. And three, Rendon's offensive statistics dropped dramatically, particularly his power. Now, if you believe that No. 2 is largely responsible for No. 3 (along with new bat regulations that resulted in a 40 percent decline in home runs in collegiate baseball), and, furthermore, you believe the injury is not serious long-term, then the Mariners should be ecstatic to get Rendon at No. 2."
From John Klima, Project Prospect, 6/5/2011:
"Do I think Rendon can hit? Yes. Do I think he will hit? Probably. Am I sold he will? No. Why? Two words: The Medicals. I’m sorry, if I’m spending a lot of my boss’s money on a guy with a recent history that includes joint injuries – I’m talking shoulders and ankles at a very young age – then that’s a big turn off for me. No. I’ll take my chances somewhere else."
"What I do think? Too expensive and too many risks. I would be more comfortable with this guy somewhere in the middle of the first round than I would be with one of the very first picks of any draft. Hey, look, nobody drafts for me. I draft for me. If you have risks, I will find them, and if I see warning signs – and on this boy, oh yes I do – then I’ll find someone else."
From Nick Piecoro, Arizona Republic, 5/30/2011:
"There are many theories for the offensive decline. The NCAA mandating the use of less potent bats. The pressure of being the country's top prospect. Other teams not giving him pitches to hit, leading to 76 walks, most in the nation. Not getting into the rhythm of the game by being limited to designated hitter....(Rice coach Wayne) Graham even cited Rice's Reckling Park, where he said the wind uncharacteristically blew in all season long."
"'He has a very low-maintenance swing,' said a National League scouting director. 'He's going to hit, and you just can't say that about a whole lot of people in any draft. The downside is he has a history of injuries. And sometimes people with a history of injuries continue to have a history of injuries.'"
"'The (shoulder) muscle won't heal until he gets enough rest,' Graham said. 'It might be something more, but it's not something they can't correct with surgery.' Rendon, who said he hurt the shoulder stretching before the season, was asked if he thought he would need surgery...'I'm just going to take the summer to rehab it and rest it. I'm not going to pick up a ball or anything and make sure it heals.'"
From Jeff Reese, MLB Bonus Baby, 5/26/2011:
"The shoulder injury is being blamed for his somewhat underwhelming offensive numbers with some saying it has affected his bat speed. If that's the case, his bat speed must have been completely off the charts prior to this year as the player I saw certainly had no shortage in that area of his game. Indeed, he has some of the most impressive bat speed that I have ever seen at this level, making up for his lack of physicality; it is not hard to see above-average power at the major league level. Rendon has been pitched around all season, and I believe that is the biggest contributor to his stunted power output."
"It is easy to forget that Rendon played third base during the first series of the year against Stanford. His speed looked completely unaffected by the past ankle injuries, and he showed the same impressive range that we have come to expect. Buster Olney tweeted on Monday that he has 'spoken with more teams that project Anthony Rendon as a second baseman, rather than third baseman, because of body type, arm concerns.' Unless the shoulder injury is structural in nature and a long term concern, that would be a monumental mistake. He has everything necessary to be an elite level defender at third base."
"The injuries have been exceedingly inconvenient, certainly affecting his value to Rice, but long term, we are looking at the same player as we were a year ago. He has the highest ceiling in this draft – some will certainly disagree with that opinion – while also having the best chance to reach it."
From David Brandt, AP (via Washington Post), 5/25/2011:
"Rendon leads all of NCAA Division I with 76 walks so far this season, as pitchers have avoided him at nearly all cost. Tossing the bat toward the dugout for a slow jog toward first base isn’t his first choice, but if this season’s taught him anything, it’s patience. 'Of course as a hitter, I want to go up there and knock the crap out of the ball,' Rendon said. 'That’s what I want to do. But I can’t go out there and hurt my teammates by swinging at balls in the dirt. You’ve got to take it how it is.'"
"Rendon 'has great wrists,' said Graham...'His hands work so well. He’s got a very similar bat action to Aaron. The way they load their hands, and the bat angle as they get ready to hit. The swings are nearly identical.'
From Nick Faleris, Diamond Scape Scouting, 4/17/2011:
"Rendon in 140 characters or less: True five-tool talent; no apparent holes; potential elite bat and glove; above-average speed, +baserunner; team leader with pure approach."
"Rendon's bat is special. He generates very good bat speed through a strong core, maintaining and then transferring the force in his swing through his strong wrists. The top notch bat speed produces loud contact as often as any amateur in the game, and portends an ability to hit for average and power (despite his unimposing physical appearance) at the next level."
"Rendon is the rare five-tool talent with game changing ability in each category...and an intricate feel for the game on defense, in the batters box and on the basepaths."
From John Sickels, Minor League Ball, 4/6/2011:
"Shoulder injury has bugged him and consensus number one pick pre-season may drop all the way to number two. I still think he's an outstanding prospect with terrific plate discipline, power, and excellent defense, perhaps something like a blending of David Wright and Evan Longoria."
From Steve Carter, Project Prospect, 7/15/2010:
"I contacted our old friend, Mr. Veteran Scout, to see what his thoughts were on Rendon: 'Rendon has a lot going on here. He has knack [for hitting] foremost. He does have a good swing in the game. Gets the ball deep. He can hit. Has always hit. Even when he was little. Has some ego that he will have to over come but he projects to be a plus hitter with plus power. Has a plus arm and solid glove. Just not a good runner. Possibly the best bat in country.'"
"He gives his barrel an earlier start than most hitters, which allows him to build up bat speed before he launches his swing. Because of his ability to accellerate the barrel so quickly, Rendon is also able to wait longer than most hitters before he has to commit to the pitch. While some players are unable to reach max velocity with the head of their bat until well after contract, Rendon's early bat speed means his barrel will be up to speed quicker and more efficiently."
"There is no such thing as a "sure thing" in prospectdom, but Rendon is almost as good as it gets. He is adept at making adjustments on the fly and utilizes video of opponents to seek out any weaknesses they may have -- something young players often don't learn to do until well down the road."
"To reiterate what Veteran Scout said earlier: 'Plus power, plus hit tool, plus arm, solid glove" and a mechanically fantastic swing to boot. On top of all that, he adds in outstanding patience at the plate. He doesn't just dictate the at-bat the second he walks into the box, he rules it with an iron fist.'"
Carter also compared Rendon's wrists and bat speed to that of Hank Aaron, as Rice coach Wayne Graham did.
Rendon fell to the Nationals due to his recent injury history. With two severe ankle injuries in the past and a current shoulder strain, teams were a little scared off. Still, when a team has the ability to take the best player available in the entire draft with the #6 overall pick, they need to do it as long as said player has two arms, two legs, two eyes, etc.
Here are Rendon's stats in college:
2009: .388/.468/.702. 94 H/242 AB, 60 R, 14 2B, 1 3B, 20 HR, 72 RBI, 9/11 SB, 31 BB/23 K
2010: .394/.539/.801. 89 H/226 AB, 83 R, 12 2B, 1 3B, 26 HR, 85 RBI, 14/18 SB, 65 BB/22 K
2011: .327/.520/.523. 70 H/214 AB, 58 R, 20 2B, 2 3B, 6 HR, 37 RBI, 13/18 SB, 80 BB/33 K
Some notes on Rendon (in order of the most recent post/article):
From John Sickels, Minor League Ball, 6/14/2011:
"Although everyone is wondering exactly how bad those medical reports must be, even if Rendon's arm can't handle third base any more, his bat is still excellent."
From John Sickels, Minor League Ball/Baseball Nation, 6/6/2011:
"Rendon was long projected as the top position player in the 2011 draft, thanks to his power, superior hitting skills, superb plate discipline, and excellent defense at third base. However, he was hampered by shoulder injuries all spring, limiting him to DH most of the time and causing teams to wonder if he can remain at third...Rendon's ETA to the major leagues, and perhaps even his position, will depend on how his shoulder recovers. Reports/rumors are mixed, but it seems that the Mariners (expected to pick him second overall) may have been scared off by his medical reports. If his arm is OK, Rendon has the tools and skills to reach the major leagues very quickly, within two years and perhaps just a single year without further physical setbacks. A healthy Rendon projects as an on-base machine with good power and excellent defensive ability at third base. The Nationals may have a steal here."
From Marc Hulet, FanGraphs 2011 Draft Live Blog, 6/6/2011:
"Washington: Anthony Rendon, 3B (Rice U): Perhaps the famous Rice University injury curse is spreading from the pitchers to the hitters. Rendon has been the consensus first overall pick for the 2011 draft since his eye-opening freshman year of college. However, injury concerns - most recently his shoulder, and previously his ankle - have clouded his draft status. Seattle is known to be very interested but he could end up sliding a bit with reports of so-so medical reports that team doctors are no doubt pouring over until the very last minute. If all goes as hoped, Rendon has the chance to be a Gold Glove fielder with 20+ home run potential and a solid batting average."
From Larry Stone, The Seattle Times, 6/6/2011:
"Going into this year, Rendon was the consensus No. 1 pick, and no one thought the Mariners had a chance to get him at No. 2. Three things changed: One, Cole got off to a sensational start and developed a changeup to supplement a fastball that gained in velocity to occasionally over 100 mph. Two, Rendon got a shoulder strain that raised issues about whether he is injury prone while limiting him to DH duties most of the year. And three, Rendon's offensive statistics dropped dramatically, particularly his power. Now, if you believe that No. 2 is largely responsible for No. 3 (along with new bat regulations that resulted in a 40 percent decline in home runs in collegiate baseball), and, furthermore, you believe the injury is not serious long-term, then the Mariners should be ecstatic to get Rendon at No. 2."
From John Klima, Project Prospect, 6/5/2011:
"Do I think Rendon can hit? Yes. Do I think he will hit? Probably. Am I sold he will? No. Why? Two words: The Medicals. I’m sorry, if I’m spending a lot of my boss’s money on a guy with a recent history that includes joint injuries – I’m talking shoulders and ankles at a very young age – then that’s a big turn off for me. No. I’ll take my chances somewhere else."
"What I do think? Too expensive and too many risks. I would be more comfortable with this guy somewhere in the middle of the first round than I would be with one of the very first picks of any draft. Hey, look, nobody drafts for me. I draft for me. If you have risks, I will find them, and if I see warning signs – and on this boy, oh yes I do – then I’ll find someone else."
From Nick Piecoro, Arizona Republic, 5/30/2011:
"There are many theories for the offensive decline. The NCAA mandating the use of less potent bats. The pressure of being the country's top prospect. Other teams not giving him pitches to hit, leading to 76 walks, most in the nation. Not getting into the rhythm of the game by being limited to designated hitter....(Rice coach Wayne) Graham even cited Rice's Reckling Park, where he said the wind uncharacteristically blew in all season long."
"'He has a very low-maintenance swing,' said a National League scouting director. 'He's going to hit, and you just can't say that about a whole lot of people in any draft. The downside is he has a history of injuries. And sometimes people with a history of injuries continue to have a history of injuries.'"
"'The (shoulder) muscle won't heal until he gets enough rest,' Graham said. 'It might be something more, but it's not something they can't correct with surgery.' Rendon, who said he hurt the shoulder stretching before the season, was asked if he thought he would need surgery...'I'm just going to take the summer to rehab it and rest it. I'm not going to pick up a ball or anything and make sure it heals.'"
From Jeff Reese, MLB Bonus Baby, 5/26/2011:
"The shoulder injury is being blamed for his somewhat underwhelming offensive numbers with some saying it has affected his bat speed. If that's the case, his bat speed must have been completely off the charts prior to this year as the player I saw certainly had no shortage in that area of his game. Indeed, he has some of the most impressive bat speed that I have ever seen at this level, making up for his lack of physicality; it is not hard to see above-average power at the major league level. Rendon has been pitched around all season, and I believe that is the biggest contributor to his stunted power output."
"It is easy to forget that Rendon played third base during the first series of the year against Stanford. His speed looked completely unaffected by the past ankle injuries, and he showed the same impressive range that we have come to expect. Buster Olney tweeted on Monday that he has 'spoken with more teams that project Anthony Rendon as a second baseman, rather than third baseman, because of body type, arm concerns.' Unless the shoulder injury is structural in nature and a long term concern, that would be a monumental mistake. He has everything necessary to be an elite level defender at third base."
"The injuries have been exceedingly inconvenient, certainly affecting his value to Rice, but long term, we are looking at the same player as we were a year ago. He has the highest ceiling in this draft – some will certainly disagree with that opinion – while also having the best chance to reach it."
From David Brandt, AP (via Washington Post), 5/25/2011:
"Rendon leads all of NCAA Division I with 76 walks so far this season, as pitchers have avoided him at nearly all cost. Tossing the bat toward the dugout for a slow jog toward first base isn’t his first choice, but if this season’s taught him anything, it’s patience. 'Of course as a hitter, I want to go up there and knock the crap out of the ball,' Rendon said. 'That’s what I want to do. But I can’t go out there and hurt my teammates by swinging at balls in the dirt. You’ve got to take it how it is.'"
"Rendon 'has great wrists,' said Graham...'His hands work so well. He’s got a very similar bat action to Aaron. The way they load their hands, and the bat angle as they get ready to hit. The swings are nearly identical.'
From Nick Faleris, Diamond Scape Scouting, 4/17/2011:
"Rendon in 140 characters or less: True five-tool talent; no apparent holes; potential elite bat and glove; above-average speed, +baserunner; team leader with pure approach."
"Rendon's bat is special. He generates very good bat speed through a strong core, maintaining and then transferring the force in his swing through his strong wrists. The top notch bat speed produces loud contact as often as any amateur in the game, and portends an ability to hit for average and power (despite his unimposing physical appearance) at the next level."
"Rendon is the rare five-tool talent with game changing ability in each category...and an intricate feel for the game on defense, in the batters box and on the basepaths."
From John Sickels, Minor League Ball, 4/6/2011:
"Shoulder injury has bugged him and consensus number one pick pre-season may drop all the way to number two. I still think he's an outstanding prospect with terrific plate discipline, power, and excellent defense, perhaps something like a blending of David Wright and Evan Longoria."
From Steve Carter, Project Prospect, 7/15/2010:
"I contacted our old friend, Mr. Veteran Scout, to see what his thoughts were on Rendon: 'Rendon has a lot going on here. He has knack [for hitting] foremost. He does have a good swing in the game. Gets the ball deep. He can hit. Has always hit. Even when he was little. Has some ego that he will have to over come but he projects to be a plus hitter with plus power. Has a plus arm and solid glove. Just not a good runner. Possibly the best bat in country.'"
"He gives his barrel an earlier start than most hitters, which allows him to build up bat speed before he launches his swing. Because of his ability to accellerate the barrel so quickly, Rendon is also able to wait longer than most hitters before he has to commit to the pitch. While some players are unable to reach max velocity with the head of their bat until well after contract, Rendon's early bat speed means his barrel will be up to speed quicker and more efficiently."
"There is no such thing as a "sure thing" in prospectdom, but Rendon is almost as good as it gets. He is adept at making adjustments on the fly and utilizes video of opponents to seek out any weaknesses they may have -- something young players often don't learn to do until well down the road."
"To reiterate what Veteran Scout said earlier: 'Plus power, plus hit tool, plus arm, solid glove" and a mechanically fantastic swing to boot. On top of all that, he adds in outstanding patience at the plate. He doesn't just dictate the at-bat the second he walks into the box, he rules it with an iron fist.'"
Carter also compared Rendon's wrists and bat speed to that of Hank Aaron, as Rice coach Wayne Graham did.
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