Will Middlebrooks

From SoSH

Will Middlebrook (born September 9, 1988 in Texarkana, TX), was drafted by the Red Sox with their fifth pick of the 2007 Amateur Draft out of Texas. Rated by Baseball America as the 36th best prospect for the 2007 Draft, and 77th overall by PGcrosschecker.com, but dropped in the draft because of his commitment to Texas A&M. Will signed on the draft deadline date for $925,000.

Contents 1 Scouting Report 2 Amateur Career 2.1 Amateur Awards 3 Minor League Career 4 Trivia 5 External Links

Scouting Report

• Excellent five-tool athlete. Probably the best talent selected by the Red Sox in the 2007 draft. As a hitter, Middlebrooks has great power potential and makes excellent contact. In the field he has good hands and a rocket arm, but average to below average lateral range for a SS. He played both SS and 3B in high school - he will start his career in the organization at SS, but likely will move to 3B down the line. He should ultimately prove to be an exceptionally athletic 3B. Middlebrooks also has above average speed and intelligence on the basepaths. Pitched in high school - Middlebrooks likely would have been on an MLB-track as a SP had he deiced to go that route. ~ SoxProspects

• Middlebrooks opened some eyes with the start of his 2007 season. A two-sport star who is also a position player prospect, he hasn't done that much pitching. If he were to focus solely on pitching, he could take off in the future. Middlebrooks is a legitimate two-way threat. Aside from running speed, he possesses the tools scouts like to see at the plate (and on the mound). ~ MiLB.com

• A gifted athelete, can throw in the mid 90s, and hit for power in the field There is some discussion that the Sox will play him as a shortstop until he has to move.

Amateur Career

• Will starred as both a hitter and pitcher for Liberty-Eylau High School. He batted an impressive .555, with a 1.592 OPS. He hit two HR in 110 AB to go along with 36 walks to 12 strikeouts. Also stole 22 bases and drove in 48 runs.

• As a pitcher Will was also dominant. He pitched 81 innings, allowing just 47 hits and finished with an ERA of 0.86. Accumulated a total of 147 strikeouts during that timeframe to go along with just 12 walks (12.25 K/BB). He started 15 games, going 13-0 with 7 CG and 2 SHO.

Amateur Awards

• 2007 High School All-America Second Team by Baseball America.
• 2-time Texas Class 3A Player of the Year (2006 & 2007)

Minor League Career

• 2007: Middlebrooks was selected by Boston in the 5th round of the 2007 Amateur Draft, but due to his late signing that summer, he was not assigned to a team.

• 2008: Middlebrooks has been assigned to short-season Lowell for the 2008 season.

Trivia

• Prior to signing with the Red Sow, Will committed to attend Texas A&M.
• Rated by Baseball America as the 36th best prospect for the 2007 Draft.
• Rated by PG Crosschecker as the 77th best prospect for the 2007 Draft.

External Links

• Will Middlebrooks - Minor League Information Courtesy of Sox Prospects

• Will Middlebrooks - Adopt a Prospect Page Courtesy of SoSH
• Will Middlebrooks - 2007 Draft Report Courtesy of MiLB.com