Player: Manny Ramirez Jr.
Drafted by: Undrafted (expected to attend Central Arizona Community College)
Position: 1B
DOB: 6/15/1995 (Age: 17)
Height/Weight: 6'4"/215 lbs.
Bats/Throws: R/R
School: IMG Academy (FL)
College Commitment: Central Arizona Community College
Background
As much fun as it would be to think about having another decade of Manny Ramirez in Major League Baseball, the only reason Ramirez Jr. gets any real publicity—including a front-page story on Yahoo! a few months back—is his father, the former Indians and Red Sox star. Manny Jr. is not a prospect.
He is not very athletic, is limited to first base and, while he does possess some offensive skills, has really struggled with consistency in his senior season. He does have the advantage of having played at one of the best sports academies in the country for his high school career, though, and if this Manny can be Manny, you never know what he could end up doing on the baseball field.
Full Scouting Report
Note: Numerical scores are on the conventional 80-point scouting scale, with the current score first and projected score second.
Hitting: 35/45
Flashes a solid hit tool but struggles to catch up to velocity and read off-speed stuff; will strike out a lot thanks to a huge uppercut in his swing; does have decent bat speed but will have to cheat to turn on pro pitching.
Power: 40/50
Very good power swing; good loft through the zone and extension at the end gives the ball good elevation; will show more than average power in BP but struggles to translate it to games because of problems with swing and approach.
Plate Discipline: 35/40
Can crush a fastball but really struggles to identify breaking balls; lacks patience; wants to attack early and often; must learn to take pitches in order to put himself in good hitter's counts; might develop fringe discipline but nothing more.
Speed: 40/35
Well below-average speed right now; not athletic enough to play the outfield; will be limited to first base due to lack of running speed; big frame already and likely to add some bulk with age.
Defense: 40/45
Won't need to show much with the glove at first base; actions and footwork are a bit sloppy as he tries to keep his long limbs in check; will show good glove and soft hands but doesn't project as average defender.
Arm: 40/40
Limited arm strength is another factor leading to first base-only designation; can be hidden in the infield or at DH; accuracy is adequate.
MLB Player Comparison: Bryan LaHair
Projection: Organizational guy who might get a cup of coffee in the big leagues
MLB ETA: 2018
Chances of Signing: 30%
Depending on what Ramirez wants—and where he thinks his stock is right now—he will have a decision to make. There are not a lot of tools to get a team excited, but he may have some value as a guy who can fill out a roster.
If that is enough to convince Ramirez to take a five-figure signing bonus right now, then he should go right ahead. But with the option to re-enter the draft in three years with hopes of improving his stock, however slightly, he could easily go to school.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com
- Login to post comments