Scouting Report: Rico Noel, 2B-SS, Coastal Carolina (2010 Draft)
By John Klima
February 7, 2010
Rico Noel and I had an interesting talk last summer, discussing the increasing value on speed and defense at the major league level. As a player who grew up watching the steroid era, Noel was pleased that his skills were coming back into favor. That’s good, because like a lot of middle infielders we have scouted on this site, Noel isn’t going to be the eye-pleasing 6-5 guy. Height is the most overrated aspect of player development, pure and simple. Noel is going to give himself a chance to succeed because he will be able to run, bunt, put the ball in play, play multiple infield positions, and defend. He’ll need some polish as he improves, but from a pure scouting point of view, I’d have no problem turning this guy in because I know good minor league instructors can make a big leaguer out of him.
Rico Noel, 2B-SS
5-9, 170
Bats: R, Throws: R
Coastal Carolina
Games seen: 1, Innings: 9
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Slight frame and narrow features, loose limbs, athletic actions and quickness.
STRENGTHS: Above-average speed and fast first step, starts and stops, aggressive base runner. Spray hitter who puts ball in play to all fields. Fast hands defensively, quick release, average arm strength and accuracy. Average defender.
WEAKNESSES: Below average power and strength.
SUMMARY: Profiles for me as very good major league bench player with ability to play every day if in right situation. Will create more runs with speed than with power, will save as many runs as he creates. Versatile enough to play SS and 2B, could also be taught to play 3B and OF. Speed and contact are money-tools for him, defensive versatility will add value. Very good organizational player with ability to become major league contributor.
GRADES (Present/Future):
Hit 30/50
Power 30/40
Run 70/70
Field 50/50
Arm 40/50
Overall Future Potential: 52
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