Thread: Article: Bang For Your Buxton

Originally Posted by jharaldson

Good point about the BBCOR bats, I wasn't aware they were required this year and that would hurt his power. I still stand by my point though that 3 HR in a season (1 every 40 AB) is not power when numerous players in the state are hitting homeruns every 10 AB:

http://www.maxpreps.com/list/leaderb...2-63428ccb3a68

I still like the pick as well. He looks like he can throw well in the video's I have seen, his speed seems ridiculous, and he has a high average in High School. He just doesn't have the power to be described as a "5-tool" player and that isn't a bad thing.

I hear what you're saying, but you did see the video of Buxton hitting the ball (practically) onto Waveland Avenue at Wrigley, right? Effortless swing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jEOvrNoBlE

Tori Hunter's AA stats would have projected him as a 4th outfielder at best. Hicks may end up being a bust but i wouldn't be suprised if the light goes on soon and the understanding of playing professional baseball catches up with his physical tools.

Originally Posted by mike wants wins

your .370 OBP would make him the 3rd best CF in all of MLB in terms of OBP. You really think that? It would be 24th best OBP for all of MLB. If that were true, sign me up with gold glove defense. But what are the odds of that, really?

Keep in mind the caveat I applied of "at his peak", which means in his best statistical seasons, not over a career.

Originally Posted by Nick Nelson

Well his BB% has dropped from 17 to 15 to 13 the past three years, and his K/BB ratios – which were once close to even – are now closer to 2:1. His plate discipline numbers still aren't terrible, but they aren't headed in the right direction.

I guess I'm not as concerned about a 2% drop-off in walk rate when moving up a level as you. The on-base-percentage is still translating.

Good analysis Nick, There is one major difference between Buxton and Hicks, about $4.5mm or so. Personally, I was hoping the Twins would get a stud starter with the #2 pick. Unfortunately, that guy wasn't out there.

One question I do have, do people think that Appel dropped to 8th because of Scott Boras?

I know you guys are skeptical about Buxton's power numbers. With all the spotlight on him early, he took a lot of walks. As playoff time came around. Instead of getting intentionally walked he would get pitched around and He was moved to the leadoff spot early in this high school season. He went from an RBI guy to a get on base and help the team guy. In fact he led off teh last game of the state dhampionship series with a bunt. Trust me, this kid has the power. He may not have Mark McGwire "swing for the fence" power but he is best known for his blazing speed. He will be a top of the order guy, not a big RBI producer.

He is a very exciting player to watch and hopefully he can live up to his billing. I don't think he got drafted on his power ability. It remains to be seen how well this kid can play at the next level.

Originally Posted by roger

Good analysis Nick, There is one major difference between Buxton and Hicks, about $4.5mm or so. Personally, I was hoping the Twins would get a stud starter with the #2 pick. Unfortunately, that guy wasn't out there.

One question I do have, do people think that Appel dropped to 8th because of Scott Boras?

Partly, I think there were 2 groups on Draft Day. Teams who thought Appel was the #1 pitcher out there, and teams who thought he was in the top 3 or 4. Appel passed by Baltimore, Kansas City, San Diego because teams thought he wasn't much better then the rest and harder to sign (Boras). The others past on him to save money for later in the draft or their was a position player they liked better. Boras plays hard ball, which means sometimes he gets hit hard too.

Originally Posted by roger

One question I do have, do people think that Appel dropped to 8th because of Scott Boras?

Many people have been saying that, and that he was asking for too much money.

Boras has ruined as many careers as he's helped. Hicks was actually compared a lot to Daryl Strawberry when he was drafted. Not sure if that was because he is a long and lanky African American from California or not? I honestly think he will be a good player in the big leagues. Will he be a perennial all star? Probably not. These really athletic high school kids do take a little longer to develop so I don't think it is time to panic. Joe Benson fans should probably panic. Button has a ton of power as is evidenced in the bomb he hit with a wood bat at wrigley. He may fly through the minors, more likely he is in the big leagues at 22/23. I would love to see an outfield with him, Hicks and Revere!! They could cover some ground!! I like the pick because there was No clear cut ace quality pitcher in this draft.