"ng_reader" <wilgrow_co DeleteThis @hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:sNednZ6CIdnr8tTVnZ2dnUVZ_rjinZ2d@comcast.com...
> With the No. 24 pick in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft,
> the Phillies chose Anthony Hewitt, a high school shortstop
> ho has committed to play at Vanderbilt.
>
> "There's so much potential here with athleticism,"
> Phillies scouting director Marti Wolever said.
> "The power. We think he's got a chance to play third base.
> The makeup is outstanding. We thought it was a great package,
> something we couldn't pass up."
My first thought upon seeing this yesterday was "why?". They don't do too
well with "toolsy" guys (guys with more athletic ability than baseball
talent). Word is the Phils wanted Casey Kelly, but he had far above slot
demands.
The kid's at least 5-6 years away, and will likely be moved to the OF
(Wolever's thinking 3B?). Maybe it's a sign they may be inclined to move
Golson in a deadline deal if necessary.
From Law's draft analysis...
"He's a five-tool package. He will put on a show in batting practice, but
he's struggled in game situations against tough competition, like at the
Area Code Games last summer. He projects more as a center fielder than as a
shortstop. If everything clicks, he's a potential superstar. The problem is
that he's about 4-6 years away unless he developmentally makes a quantum
leap forward. He's high risk, potentiall high reward."
From a draft summary:
"Hewitt did the wood-bat circuit in July and August of 2007, but struggled
badly enough that one cross-checker last month said that Hewitt was "0 for
the summer." Hewitt is an outstanding athlete and can put on a show in BP or
in a workout setting, and his high ceiling as a potential five-tool talent
who hits in the middle of a lineup and plays plus defense in left or center
field has moved him up into first-round or sandwich-round territory.
However, at the plate, Hewitt's pitch recognition is poor and his swing is
long; he swings hard almost every time out. He's currently a shortstop, but
lacks the footwork or the instincts to play there and will end up in the
outfield. There is as big a gap between Hewitt's present skill set and his
best-case scenario as you'll find in any player in this draft. He's
committed to Vanderbilt and is expected to be a tough sign."
>> Stay informed about: It's getting drafty in here 
FAQ
Search
Profile
Private Messages
Log in
