With baseball season now underway, I’ve decided to whip up another MLB special. This won’t be your usual baseball special either. I won’t be talking about any superstars, won’t be talking about individual teams, and also won’t be giving my two cents on why certain players are starting off slow in 2014. Instead, I will be giving baseball fans insight on “low key studs.” These studs are certain players that have been catching my attention for the past 2-3 years. They also aren’t on the radar of your typical baseball fans. I will be talking about one low key stud for each division. So, I advise that everyone keep their eyes and ears open on these players because they will be household names some time in the future. Hope you all enjoy.
Stud Watch: NL Central
Gregory Polanco, Right Field, Pittsburgh Pirates
Gregory Polanco Was rated by Baseball America as the “Best Hitter for Average” the “Best Athlete” and the “Best Defensive Outfielder” in the Pirates minor league system prior to the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Polanco competed in showcases, and played as a pitcher due to him being left-handed. He was asked to rotate to the outfield due to a shortage of players, and found that he preferred the position. Polanco signed as an international free agent with the Pirates on April 11, 2009. Prior to the 2013 season, Polanco was ranked as the 65th best prospect in baseball by MLB.com, and as the 51st best prospect in baseball by Baseball America. Polanco was called up to the major leagues on June 9, 2014 due to an appendix injury to second baseman Neil Walker and made his MLB debut on June 10 playing right field.
Strengths
- High average
- Consistent power
- Gold Glove defense
- Speed
- 5 Tool Player
Gregory Polanco is one of those rare ball players that can excel at everything/anything on the baseball diamond. In right field he poses Gold Glove type of defense with a strong, accurate arm. In the batters box Polanco hits for a high average, has a consistent power stroke, has a great batters eye and doesn’t strikeout on occasions. On the base paths he has great speed which allows him to steal bags with ease, stretch a double into a triple, and doesn’t make bonehead mistakes. With his ability to hit for a high average in the top of that deadly Pirates lineup will benefit the team with runs. He will be able to reach base with his solid bat or draw walks and get into scoring position with his speed. Gregory has great up-side, being a ball player that will be able to hit from .290-.300 with 15+ singers, drive in 70+ runs and swipe 20+ bags though out his entire career.
Weakness
- Not a lot of time up in the bigs
Polanco really doesn’t have one weakness in his game, he is as complete as they get. His only downfall is that he hasn’t had much time up at the show. Opponents will be able to learn his tendencies and pitch to his bad habits. He went through a rough month in July when teams started pitching away from his strengths but he didn’t let that get him down. Being a great hitter he will be able to adjust throughout seasons and will be able to play at a consistent rate.
Overall
Polanco is a 5 Tool player that Pirate fans will love for his entire career. He excels at everything on the field and plays at a high level for all 9 innings. He poses the ability to hit for a high average, drive the ball over the fence at a consistent rate, steal bags with ease, and play amazing defense out in right field. With an outfield of Sterling Marte, Andrew McCutchen, and Gregory Polanco the Pirates shouldn’t allow a ball to drop in that outfield. Baseball fans should get used to seeing Polanco’s name in the top 10 of all hitting categories for years to come.