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Wednesday, December 03, 2008

The Baseball Analysts: 2008 Rule 5 Draft: The Hitters

James Skelton | Detroit
Position: Catcher
Born: October 1985
2008 Level: High-A/Double-A

There are concerns about Skelton’s defence. His is just 5’11’’ and 165 lbs - small for a catcher. His arm also lacks strength, but he threw out 43% of base stealers in 2007, and 19 of 54 (35%) at High-A in 2008, followed by nine of 19 (47%) at Double-A.

Bill James once noted that big catchers tend to wear down more quickly than small catchers, mostly because the added size puts extra strain on the back and knees. This might be an area where teams can gain an advantage. That said, Skelton’s offensive skill set is walk-and-single heavy, and that normally doesn’t play well in the majors for very long.

Mike Emeigh Posted: December 03, 2008 at 05:29 PM | 9 comment(s)
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1. SleepyCA Posted: December 03, 2008 at 06:19 PM (#3020226)

"he hit .307/.467/.406 in 212 High-A at-bats"

What is this guy's story? At first i thought that those slash stats were just listed out of order, but he did really put up an ISO of less than .100 with an (OBP-BA) of .160. That is amazing. He's out-OBP'd his SLG in 2 of his 3 partial seasons, as well, though he's only managed 1057 PA's in 5 years in the minors. And he's still only 22. Eh, 23 in october, apparently.

5' 11" 165 might fit the profile of a guy who could be moved to the middle infield, as well.

2. Swedish Chef Posted: December 03, 2008 at 06:22 PM (#3020228)

There are concerns about Skelton’s defence. His is just 5’11’’ and 165 lbs - small for a catcher. His arm also lacks strength, but he threw out 43% of base stealers in 2007, and 19 of 54 (35%) at High-A in 2008, followed by nine of 19 (47%) at Double-A.

I imagined Skeletor was older.

3. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: December 03, 2008 at 08:10 PM (#3020278)

Kind of surprised that I'm apparently the only one who likes Eric Campbell as a potential pickup. Not one of these Rule 5 guides has given him so much as a sniff...

4. mashimaro Posted: December 03, 2008 at 08:16 PM (#3020282)

Catchers are most valuable in their twenties. The Jays should pick him up to back up Barajas until one of their own prospects are ready. If he can't do it, nothing is lost and a lot could be gained.

5. Mike Emeigh Posted: December 03, 2008 at 08:26 PM (#3020294)

Kind of surprised that I'm apparently the only one who likes Eric Campbell as a potential pickup. Not one of these Rule 5 guides has given him so much as a sniff...

Campbell's got a rep as a head case and a poor defender, and he hasn't really developed at all with the bat. As a general rule, it's a good idea to be leery of guys who have more HR than 2B+3B, especially when that is coupled (as it is here) with a low in-play BA.

-- MWE

6. Wes Parkers Mood (Mike Green) Posted: December 03, 2008 at 10:11 PM (#3020351)

Skelton also apparently runs well, according to the scouts. His basestealing record and high BABIP would support that. I would wonder about his ability to play centerfield, as well as the middle infield.

In 06 and 07, he had routine (ie not exceptionally poor) IsoP numbers for age and league. 33XBH in 353 at-bats for a 21 year old catcher in the Midwest League (2007) is not bad at all.

7. DKDC Posted: December 03, 2008 at 10:20 PM (#3020357)

Skelton seems like a great fit for Baltimore to keep the catcher spot warm until Wieters is called up in May.

8. John Brill's #1 Fan (JMN) Posted: December 04, 2008 at 12:13 AM (#3020422)

Skelton seems like a great fit with Detroit. I don't get this.

9. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 04, 2008 at 12:23 AM (#3020428)

Of course, in '07 Skelton's walks weren't insanely high either.
***
On paper, Campbell's glove doesn't look that bad. He could be a Jose Bautista like pick. Not at the top of my list, mind you - but I'd see what my scouts said about him.

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Wednesday, December 03, 2008

The Baseball Analysts: 2008 Rule 5 Draft: The Hitters

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