Baseball Beginnings

By John Klima
November 13, 2009

Jackie Bradley Jr. held his own as a true freshman from South Carolina playing last summer for Hyannis in the Cape Cod League. He made our list of prospects to watch from the 2009 Hyannis club, and though he’s a 2011 draft class player, it’s never too early to look into the future here at Baseball Beginnings.

I like Bradley because I believe he will bring at least three “50” major league tools to the table in his arm, speed and bat. The video here, unfortunately, is a strikeout, but you can see that he’s getting the bat around despite growing into his own muscle. If this kid has another growth cycle in him, you might have a major guy right here.

Bradley kept his head down on this swing and chased something he couldn’t reach, a pitch down at his shoes. But even in missing, Bradley showed a few things that made me want to see him again. That swing was nice and level, in basic terms, and he kept his head down. His strength will come in and that front side should firm up a little bit. These are adjustments that college guys often run into against wood for the first time. Bradley is a 60/65 runner depending on when you get him. His arm is enough for right field in this era. I said earlier that Bradley reminded me of Chone Figgins, but with one exception. I think Bradley will hit for more power 5-7 years down the road. Either way, if I’m an area scout, this guy is on my radar and my team would know about him. Let’s see if he follows up his great freshman year at South Carolina with another solid season and another good showing on the Cape. Jackie, don’t be surprised when I come out of nowhere and we do a Q&A.

Categories: '11 Videos
Tags: Cape Cod League, Jackie Bradley