No new thread for our first round pick? I know Jagger has the more fun name by far, and that Rei is interesting because he reminds people a little of Vazquez, but Benintendi, who my fiance is calling BeNintendo (his number when he gets his first cup of coffee should absolutely be 64) is the most exciting Red Sox draftee of the first two days. He has speed, power and plays a premium defensive position.
BA's scouting report.
MLB.com's write up.
Here are the basics:
DOB: July 6, 1994 (Age: 20)
Height/Weight: 5'10", 170 pounds
Bats/Throws: L/L
School: Arkansas
Previously Drafted: 2013, 31st round by Cincinnati
Rankings:
BA: 9th
MLB: 8th
minorleagueball.com: 11th
ESPN: 21st
Over The Monster has a piece up about where he slots into the farm system here. The consensus from the pieces they samples is that he slots right in with the Owens, Margot, Devers group of players near, but not quite at the top of the system. Given the depth of the system and the high profile names at the top (Moncada and Rodriguez, assuming Swihart loses eligibility soon), that's not exactly faint praise.
He doesn't have any elite tools, but he rates average or above average everywhere.
Here's a little video of him taking BP followed by some game action.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK2v5NzhSlM
And here's a bit of that power.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyHu8t9CxGY
BA's scouting report.
A draft-eligible sophomore, Benintendi's draft stock has skyrocketed this spring thanks to the loudest season of any college player. Benintendi ranks among the top 10 in Division I in batting average, on-base percentage and leads the nation in slugging percentage while playing in the always competitive Southeastern Conference. Benintendi came from off many teams' radars. He didn't play summer ball last year and some scouts may not have even realized he was draft eligible at the start of the year. But a who's-who of scouting directors and front-office officials are flying in to see him now as they realize he may be the best combination of athleticism and production in this college class. A very productive but slight outfielder (and basketball guard) in high school, he's added excellent strength these past two years. He has extremely strong forearms and has shown plus raw power that plays in games, with the ability to drive the ball to all fields but with most of his home runs coming to his pull side. And he does it with a very balanced approach and excellent pitch recognition. He's striking out in only 11 percent of plate appearances, while getting extra-base hits in 13 percent of his plate appearances. He is also a legitimate center fielder with above-average to plus run times and excellent reads and instincts. The only real knocks on Benintendi are his size (he's 5-foot-10) and the lack of a lengthy track record.
MLB.com's write up.
Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 50 | Run: 60 | Arm: 50 | Field: 60 | Overall: 55
Teams who like college hitters who perform, especially in competitive conferences, will undoubtedly be giving Benintendi a long look at Arkansas.
The Razorbacks' Draft-eligible sophomore has certainly raised his stock with his performance at the plate this spring. The outfielder has a smooth swing from the left side of the plate, showing the ability to consistently barrel up balls and make consistently hard contact. Not known for his power previously, the Cincinnati native has added some strength and was among the nation's leaders in home runs this season. Benintendi has plus speed, which should allow him to be a basestealing threat and stick in center field.
Benintendi does have some leverage as a sophomore, but most around Little Rock feel he's going to be drafted early enough to forego his junior season at Arkansas.
Here are the basics:
DOB: July 6, 1994 (Age: 20)
Height/Weight: 5'10", 170 pounds
Bats/Throws: L/L
School: Arkansas
Previously Drafted: 2013, 31st round by Cincinnati
Rankings:
BA: 9th
MLB: 8th
minorleagueball.com: 11th
ESPN: 21st
Over The Monster has a piece up about where he slots into the farm system here. The consensus from the pieces they samples is that he slots right in with the Owens, Margot, Devers group of players near, but not quite at the top of the system. Given the depth of the system and the high profile names at the top (Moncada and Rodriguez, assuming Swihart loses eligibility soon), that's not exactly faint praise.
He doesn't have any elite tools, but he rates average or above average everywhere.
Here's a little video of him taking BP followed by some game action.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK2v5NzhSlM
And here's a bit of that power.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyHu8t9CxGY