From Keith Law (take it how you like) on the Athletic
Johnson continues to show excellent ball-strike recognition, in line with his regular-season performances the last two years where he drew 101 and 85 walks, respectively, although he’s still not converting that excellent judgment into hard contact. His swing does look good, though — there’s no sign of the little hitch he would flash in high school, and he’s definitely shorter to the ball than he’s been before. He also played superb defense at second base in my looks, showing good range to his left and making a great pivot on a 5-4-3 double play.
There was some chatter among scouts about how disappointing his performance has been given the hype around his hit tool before he was drafted No. 4 in 2022, and that’s fair, but I do think he’s going to be at least an average regular at second who gets on base and plays at least above-average defense.
Thanks for the heads up on this. Law also praised Siani for simplifying his swing and dropping a launch angle approach, which wasn’t working for him. Tagged his as a possible 2025 sleeper based on how he’s done in the AFL.
Law and Longenhagen have consistently criticized Siani’s swing as being overly geared to launch angle concerns. Now he’s finally changed it and they sure do seem to have been right.
Agree that the “disappointment” by scouts is rich. Maybe you scouts aren’t all that great at scouting prep bats? Nah, it can’t be that…has to be the kids who are the issue.
That's true, a lot depends on their 1st base outcome. Does Alonso stay or go? Over half of their rotation is free agents (Manea will probably opt out).
For a team that made it deep in the playoffs, they have a ton of questions this off-season. If Alonso stays they might be interested but if he goes it'll be tough to know what direction they prioritize.
One way or the other they are going to spend a lot either hitting or pitching and have to find the other within or by trade.
His range isn't bad but he takes too long getting his body into throws (especially on balls to his backhand) at short. I agree with Anthony he needs to focus on second, he needs to work on his turns on double plays there.
The "management" has shifted to wanting their MI's to be able to play at least 2B and SS. I say shifted because in 2021 NG, Peguero, and Triolo were all at A+. NG played 625 Innings at 2B, and 6 innings at SS, Peguero played almost every inning at SS, and Triolo almost every inning at 3B.
Things changed since then to where in 2024 at A+ TJ played 464 innings at 2B (.969) and 300 innings at SS (.950) - VG for a 20 year old. Peguero at AAA this year played 375 innings at 2B (.994) and 673 innings at SS (.970). And Triolo has been the backup at 3B, SS, and 2B for the Pirates while also playing some at 1B and OF. I like Peguero to be our SS out of ST, leaving Yorke, NG, or IKF (if still a Pirate) to play 2B - the two not playing 2B and some pitching will be traded to try to locate a Middle of the Order hitter with mid-twenties HR capability. And, Pigs will fly?
Right after they drafted Wood, I was at a GCL game and an AL scout was there. In fact, we were the only two spectators there. I talked to him about some of the players and, when Wood came to bat, he asked me, "Do you know anything about this guy?"
From Keith Law (take it how you like) on the Athletic
Johnson continues to show excellent ball-strike recognition, in line with his regular-season performances the last two years where he drew 101 and 85 walks, respectively, although he’s still not converting that excellent judgment into hard contact. His swing does look good, though — there’s no sign of the little hitch he would flash in high school, and he’s definitely shorter to the ball than he’s been before. He also played superb defense at second base in my looks, showing good range to his left and making a great pivot on a 5-4-3 double play.
There was some chatter among scouts about how disappointing his performance has been given the hype around his hit tool before he was drafted No. 4 in 2022, and that’s fair, but I do think he’s going to be at least an average regular at second who gets on base and plays at least above-average defense.
Thanks for the heads up on this. Law also praised Siani for simplifying his swing and dropping a launch angle approach, which wasn’t working for him. Tagged his as a possible 2025 sleeper based on how he’s done in the AFL.
Law and Longenhagen have consistently criticized Siani’s swing as being overly geared to launch angle concerns. Now he’s finally changed it and they sure do seem to have been right.
I continue seeing extremely little disappointment about his actual performance as a 20 yo and a whole lot of disappointment relative to HYPE.
Lord knows that HYPE about a teenagers hit tool is never wrong.
Agree that the “disappointment” by scouts is rich. Maybe you scouts aren’t all that great at scouting prep bats? Nah, it can’t be that…has to be the kids who are the issue.
Scouts just watch games anyway.
Is that the Marge Schott quote? Loved that.
A random trade idea, Johan Oviedo to the Mets for Ronny Mauricio and Brett Baty.
Interested in them both, but I’m not sure the Mets would torpedo their infield depth with a trade like that. Ronny Mo!
That's true, a lot depends on their 1st base outcome. Does Alonso stay or go? Over half of their rotation is free agents (Manea will probably opt out).
For a team that made it deep in the playoffs, they have a ton of questions this off-season. If Alonso stays they might be interested but if he goes it'll be tough to know what direction they prioritize.
One way or the other they are going to spend a lot either hitting or pitching and have to find the other within or by trade.
Buying low and good ceiling, I like it
Any thoughts on Termarr's defensive chops so far?
His range isn't bad but he takes too long getting his body into throws (especially on balls to his backhand) at short. I agree with Anthony he needs to focus on second, he needs to work on his turns on double plays there.
thanks fellas!
Wish they’d stop forcing him over to short. Should be fine at second. Not gonna win a gold glove, but passable
The "management" has shifted to wanting their MI's to be able to play at least 2B and SS. I say shifted because in 2021 NG, Peguero, and Triolo were all at A+. NG played 625 Innings at 2B, and 6 innings at SS, Peguero played almost every inning at SS, and Triolo almost every inning at 3B.
Things changed since then to where in 2024 at A+ TJ played 464 innings at 2B (.969) and 300 innings at SS (.950) - VG for a 20 year old. Peguero at AAA this year played 375 innings at 2B (.994) and 673 innings at SS (.970). And Triolo has been the backup at 3B, SS, and 2B for the Pirates while also playing some at 1B and OF. I like Peguero to be our SS out of ST, leaving Yorke, NG, or IKF (if still a Pirate) to play 2B - the two not playing 2B and some pitching will be traded to try to locate a Middle of the Order hitter with mid-twenties HR capability. And, Pigs will fly?
Peguero was shifted to 2B because he literally could not make the fucking throw from shortstop. He gave them no choice.
Triolo was promoted to the big club where some guy named Hayes was the third baseman. What the in hell were they supposed to do with him?
How do you find it so difficult to understand this.
what happened to last years AFL wonderkid? Bowen
Oliva the year before
For some reason Eric Wood always comes to mind here.
Right after they drafted Wood, I was at a GCL game and an AL scout was there. In fact, we were the only two spectators there. I talked to him about some of the players and, when Wood came to bat, he asked me, "Do you know anything about this guy?"
lol
*Inserts ‘Nows there’s a name’ GIF
Siani for MVP