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Pos: 2B |
DOB: 10/22/1982 |
Ht: 6’0 |
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Team: NY Yankees |
B/T: L/R |
Wt: 210 |
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Batting: 80 |
Speed: 45 |
Arm: 55 |
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Power: 70 |
Defense: 60 |
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Stance: Slightly opened stance, that he leans back heavily on his back leg. Stays fairly tall in his stance. Keeps his hands neck high. Stays very relaxed resting his bat on his shoulder until the pitcher is ready to throw. Stirs the bat and pulls hands back as a trigger. Begins to lean forward as he strides into his swing.
Approach: Very aggressive hitter who will jump on the first pitch, especially when he is on a hot streak. Does not strikeout much, typically less than 100 times a year and will draw a solid number of walks. Likes the ball on the inner half of the plate, at or below the belt. Very good eye at the plate, has good strike zone awareness along with plus pitch recognition.
Hitting Ability: Smooth line drive swing that generates great power. Lightning quick swing, powerful hands and arms. Bat stays in the zone a long time. One of the nicest swings in baseball. Dominates right-handed pitching, and despite struggling against lefties last year has historically had success against them, although less success than against righties. Does a great job of going with the pitch and using all fields.
Power: Plus power, can hit the ball out to all fields. Capable of hitting 30+ homeruns annually. Always a threat to go deep. Power will only increase as he ages, as his body will add weight. High homerun rates will translate if he changes teams as his power plays in any stadium.
Running: Slightly below average speed. Not a major threat on the bases, and has been criticized for dogging it on the bases at times. Rarely attempts to steal bases and doesn’t have a great success rate when he does try. Not a base clogger and will hustle when he smells extra bases.
Fielding: Plus defender who has a strong, accurate arm. Good range from side to side and backwards, with average range coming in on the ball. Has great quickness and soft hands.
Physical Description: Smaller athletic build, with great muscle distribution and definition. Has powerful shoulders and chest, and muscular thighs. No need to add or subtract weight, and no concern over him adding any bad weight. Huge and powerful hands.
Projection: Franchise player, who will contend for batting titles and MVP awards annually. A perennial All-Star who is a fixture in the middle of any lineup. One of the best all-around hitters in the league. Capable of playing strong defense at second base. Elite player who always has a smile on his face and clearly loves the game. Team leader.
