via MaxPreps.com
In a new series that we will be doing here at RDMB, we will be looking at some players that the Mets could take with the 12th pick in the draft, and maybe even with that supplemental pick if we get the time.
The first player that we will look at is High School center-fielder Albert Almora. Almora would certainly fit the mold of players that Sandy, D3PO and the FO as a whole seem to be targeting in the draft: high upside High School players.
Pros
Almora is a very polished batter, with good hand-eye coordination and a smooth swing that makes even the purest of baseball purists melt. His batting stance includes a big leg-kick that generates power coming from his lower half.
Keith Law had this to say about Almora:
He has an uncanny ability to square the ball up with a track record of doing it with wood bats against top competition. His hands get very deep to maximize power and his bat speed and direct bat path allow him to get to the ball quickly and create backspin. These elements, along with his wiry strength and explosive hips, help Almora creates surprising power for his size that could produce 20-25 home runs annually, if not more.
He profiles as a future plus-defender in center, with good instincts and reads off the bat that offset his only above-average speed. He is a young 18, and is known by many as a player with excellent character who should be a good clubhouse guy someday.
Cons
Well as one would imagine, with all this talent he may not be there when the Mets pick at 12, as some scouts have had him as high as the top five. His hit tool is still very raw at this point, graded as a 35 presently by Keith Law (on the 20-80 grading scale), which is a concern that could lead to him dropping.
A second flaw for Almora is that his speed is only above-average, which could create issues for him moving forwards in center field.
Ceiling/Floor
His ceiling is a perennial all-star in center with gold-glove caliber defense and a smooth swing that produces a .300 average and 20 home runs a year.
His floor is most likely as a fourth outfielder or a starter for a second-division team who brings “intangibles.”
Likeliness Mets Get Him (1-10)
Maybe a 3 or 4, he will probably go top seven.
I would of bet... } –
2 comments
Stickguy
5/14/2012-7:02am at 7:02 am (UTC -4)
interesting. Guess it can’t hurt to stockpile CF guys for a change, after years of getting mostly DH/1B types!
actually though I assume the organizational philosophy includes getting guys with actual defensive skills? And probably a lot easier to move someone out of CF if they outgrow it, though they have done a lot of that lately.
srt
5/14/2012-8:29am at 8:29 am (UTC -4)
Love the idea of this new series you’re doing.
Looks like it’s your opinion that this Almora quite possibly will be off the board by our turn.
Looking forward to reading opinions on who actually might be still on the board by our pick.