Overview-Back in 2003, Hoffmann had a decision to make between baseball and hockey. He was offered a free agent contract by the Dodgers around the same time that he was drafted by the Hurricanes. In the end, Hoffmann choose baseball, but he still carries a hockey mentality around. A hard worker with solid tools, Hoffmann has to prove that he's not just a future reserve.
Hitting-Hoffmann is a strong guy, but he has some swing inefficiencies that sap his bat speed. As a result of this, he ends up with below average pop. He has above-average plate discipline, he's good at making contact, and he sprays balls to all fields, but his home run power is almost strictly to left. When he's not right, he'll roll over on balls and hit a lot of grounders to the left side.
Fielding-He's a well above-average fielder at the corner outfield positions, and his strong arm allows him to play anywhere. However, I think his defense is a bit overrated at this point. Baseball America has rated him as the best defensive outfielder in the system for a while now, but I don't think he has the overall defensive package that Paul or Kemp did, especially in center.
Baserunning-Much like Kemp, Hoffmann's speed will surprise many. He looks like he would be big and slow, but he's actually quite fleet footed. However, he doesn't have the greatest base-stealing instincts and will need to improve to be a threat in the majors.
Mental-He's a hard worker and is tough by nature. You could even say that Hoffmann is...gritty.
Health-No significant injury that i'm aware of.
Performance-Hoffmann has continually bettered himself in every year since 2006. His walk rate (~7%/~9%/~10%/~17%), strikeout rate (~22%/~16%/~15%/17%), and isolated power (.07/.15/.12/.19) have all shown significant signs of improvement. In context, he's been a bit old for his age at every level, so there's little upside to be had in his numbers, but if the trend of improving peripherals continue, he could have a long future in the major leagues.
Other-Nothing of note.
Projection-His ceiling reminds me of a lesser version of Xavier Paul. Like Paul, Hoffmann has all the tools, but nothing really stands out, and his lack of power really handcuffs his ability to start at a corner outfield position. Unlike Paul, I don't think Hoffmann has the chops to play center. For those reasons, I think Hoffmann fits more as a reserve outfielder. He has enough skills to be valuable in the major leagues, but I can't ever see him being good enough to hold down a regular starting job unless his power finally comes around in a big way.
Going into 2009, the Dodgers started Hoffmann off in AA, but injuries have resulted in his promotion to the majors. He should be up and down between the majors and minors for a few years before finally sticking somewhere.
- Login to post comments