| |
Physical Description: Strong,
sturdy frame. Thick lower half. Lost a significant amount of
weight when he got to college.
Hit:
Starts slightly open with feet a bit wider than shoulder-width,
hands at his back shoulder. Toe tap timing device. Quick hands,
uphill swing. Has shown the ability to turn on velocity. Solid
approach. Patient, knows the strike zone and will take a walk.
Able to recognize secondary offerings early and stay back and
drive them. Swing-and-miss increases greatly against left-handed
pitchers. Has trouble with good fastballs up in the zone.
Potential fringe-average hit tool.
Power:
Plus raw power. Has shown the ability to drive the ball,
especially to the pull side, both in batting practice and games.
Swing has leverage and really utilizes his whole body in his
swing. Potential for average game power.
Run:
Well below-average speed. Not a major part of his game.
Field: Primarily a catcher in college, but also
spent time at first and third base. Receiving ability is fringy
and has trouble blocking balls in the dirt. Potential
below-average defender if he can stick behind the plate. If not,
likely ends up at first base or in left field. |
|
Arm: Average arm strength.
Career Notes: 2021 Newcomer All-SEC Team and 2021 SEC
All-Tournament Team. Received a somewhat surprising over-slot
bonus upon signing. Missed nearly all of the final month of the
2021 season due to a family issue. Participated in the Fall
Performance Program in 2021. Participated in 2022 Winter
Warm-Up. Got beat up a bit behind the plate in 2022, taking a
couple of IL stints, including one for a concussion, and missing
a week-or-so of games in a couple of other instances. Was set to
participate in the 2022 Fall Performance Program that was
cancelled due to Hurricane Ian.
Summation:
Potential up-and-down reserve bat. Ceiling of a second-division
regular. Likely has to stick at catcher to reach his ceiling,
but has enough bat to potentially make the majors even if his
defense does not come that much farther along. Advanced profile
at the plate; likely to put up strong performance numbers in the
low minors.
Links
Red Sox Select Nathan Hickey with the Fifth Round Pick (7.12.21)
|
|
