Draft Scouting Reports: Second Basemen
LeMahieu is one of this year's draft's wild cards
| Staff Report |
| May 21, 2009 |
This is never a great place to find prospects, but D.J. LeMahieu is an interesting talent who is as big a wild card as any player at the top of this year's draft.
First-Round Talents
None
Sandwich-Round Talents
None
Second-Round Talents
1. D.J. LeMahieu, Louisiana State, B-T: R-R
LeMahieu looked like a first-round pick last summer when he starred in the Cape Cod League. Scouts saw enough athleticism in his lanky 6-foot-4, 193-pound frame to think he could play shortstop, and they liked his power potential. But he hasn't played up to that level this spring. Though LeMahieu led Louisiana State, which has been in the top 10 most of the season, with a .356 average heading into the final week of the regular season, scouts expected him to deliver more than four home runs. He employs an inside-out, opposite-field approach, so he should have more power if he turns on more pitches. Scouts also have noted that his swing seems slower and longer this spring. They also think LeMahieu now has no chance at playing shortstop, as he has looked more methodical and less explosive. The Tigers concurred, moving him to second base at midseason after they had trouble turning double plays. His arm has regressed, too, and at shortstop he would need a full windup to make longer throws. A fringe-average runner, LeMahieu may not have the quick feet for second base, either, and he'd have to produce a lot more power if he shifted to third base or the outfield. Further complicating matters is the extra leverage he possesses as a draft-eligible sophomore. Enough scouting directors saw LeMahieu play well on the Cape that he still should get picked in the second or third round, and he may be signable if he goes that high.
Third-/Fourth-Round Talents
2. Jeff Kobernus, California, B-T: R-R
Fifth-/Sixth-Round Talents
3. Derek McCallum, Minnesota B-T: R-L
4. Ryan Schimpf, Louisiana State, B-T: L-R
5. Brodie Green, Texas A&M, B-T: S-R