Baseball Beginnings

Posted By John Klima on June 16, 2009

Nolan Arenado hit and threw his way onto the national radar screen this season, showing two tools that have future grades in the 60 zip code, which puts him at just above major league average. Those tools are arm and power, which is a pretty nice premium combination and the major reason why the Colorado Rockies drafted the El Toro (Calif.) product with the 59^th overall pick.

Arenado is a classic high school position player pick for the Rockies, who are not strangers to drafting high school power bats from Southern California, most notably Ian Stewart. Arenado’s swing turned off some observers, who felt his upper cut short changed his power. Another school of scouting thought says that an upper cut, two-handed finish is beneficial for power. That kind of swing usually plays pretty well at Coors Field.

But this is the National League, where you better be able to (at the very least) not embarrass yourself with a glove and be able to make a contribution defensively. Arenado’s arm and body type give him the best chance to become an offensive-oriented catcher whose arm can also influence a game. He’ll never run very well, but no one will pay him too, either. He was athletic enough to be an amateur shortstop in Southern California and his old club soccer skills may translate into defensive footwork behind the plate.

Baseball Beginnings caught up with Arenado a few weeks before the draft and talked about the future, the tools, and some other players who became high draft picks.

Baseball Beginnings: The word on the street was that you had raised your value this year. How would you assess yourself?
Arenado: I think I hit this spring and drove the ball. If there’s anything to say negative, maybe my speed. I’m not the fastest guy ever.

Baseball Beginnings: When you sign and first go into pro ball, what areas are priorities for improvement?
Arenado: I would say quickness. Both in terms of speed and getting the bat head out. Hitting, always hitting. If they look at me as a catcher, then I’ll need to work on catching.

Baseball Beginnings: What position do you think you’ll be signed to play?
Arenado: I don’t know. I’ve heard both. I’ve heard conversion to catching or stay and work on it at third base.

Baseball Beginnings: What position do you feel most comfortable at and what position do you think would suit your athleticism the best?
Arenado: I’m more comfortable at third base, but I like to catch. I played third base on my scout ball team. I’ve been playing third my whole life, so I’m used to that.

Baseball Beginnings: If you had a choice?
Arenado: Honestly, it wouldn’t matter to me. I’d be happy to play anywhere.

Baseball Beginnings: Did you have any other sports in your background?
Arenado: It’s always been soccer and baseball. I used to play club soccer. I loved playing soccer. I played all the way up until high school, but knew I had to stop to concentrate on baseball because that was my love.

Baseball Beginnings: Did any of it help you as a baseball player?
Arenado: The footwork and the conditioning.

Baseball Beginnings: Jiovanni Mier talked about that being big for him.
Arenado: I played with all those guys: Mier, Davidson, you name it.

Baseball Beginnings: What are your impressions of Davidson?
Areando: Davidson is a strong man, man. He’s going to be a good player. He ain’t gonna be no fat guy.

Baseball Beginnings: Mier?
Areando: Great player. Great glove. Great hands. I played third and he played shortstop.

Baseball Beginnings: You and Davidson have always gone up against each other?
Arenado: Yeah, but we’re best friends. I love that guy.

Baseball Beginnings: Marisnick?
Arenado: He’s going to be good. He’s so quick. He’s got a good arm in the outfield. Runs like a gazelle. Played with him in the Area Codes.

Baseball Beginnings: Hobgood?
Arenado: Scary!

Baseball Beginnings: Why?
Arenado: Because he likes to challenge in. But I don’t mind facing him because he challenges you. He doesn’t back down. He wants your best stuff against his and he’ll back you off the plate. He’s a big strong kid and he’s good.

Baseball Beginnings: Matzek?
Arenado: His two-seamer with the tail on that thing is pretty awesome. He’s a pretty confident guy out there.

Baseball Beginnings: Skaggs?
Arenado: Great to be around. Fastball. His curveball is OK, but I think his fastball is his thing. He’s real loose with it and he’ll pitch in with it.

Baseball Beginnings: What do you think was your biggest adjustment entering this season?
Arenado: Maturity and understanding that if you want to be among the best, you have to play like one of the best. You have to take responsibility on your own for that. I think I’m more confidant in what I do now, heading into the future.

Watch Nolan Arenado Scouting video
Read Nolan Arenado Scouting report

Categories: '09 Meet the Player
Tags: Colorado Rockies, Coors Field, Nolan Arenado