Best of the Cape: Ranking the Center Fielders
September 11, 2018
After the release of our Top 2019 draft eligible Cape Cod Pitchers and Position Players, we now take a deeper look at the loads of talent the league boasted this summer. Today we rank the Center Fielders, which includes prospects from both the 2019 & 2020 draft classes.
Tall, athletic and oozing tools, Bishop is still developing his natural abilities into on-field performance. He’s a big man, six-foot-four, 215 pounds, who can run-- plus underway-- 9-for-16 in stolen bases this summer. Fringe average arm. Good reactions and reads. Above average defender. Will likely be able to stay in center field for awhile in pro ball before ultimately moving to a corner as he grows into his frame. Aggressive hitter. Attacks the baseball looking to do damage. Not up there to get cheated. Good bat speed and some leverage for plus to better pull side raw power. Showed some of the top exit velocities in the Cape this summer. Flies open on his swing, giving away the outer half and struggling with pitch movement for much swing/miss; 50 strikeouts in 164 plate appearances. Until he re-makes his swing path, letting his hands work independent of his shoulders, he will likely remain a low average hitter who uses only one-third of the field. If he can make this adjustment, he’s an early round talent with top tools and athleticism. Regardless, there are not too many athletes of his size with his tools. Expect a team with confidence in its ability to develop players, and an affinity for ceiling/risk to select Bishop in the early rounds, regardless of his lackluster performance to date.
2. Zach Watson, 2019 (Louisiana State)
Wiry strong, athletic outfielder with tools to stay in the middle of the diamond. Near average arm with above average range in center field. Future above average defender. Offensively, showed a controlled stride, balanced setup and good separation from a slightly spread stance. Aggressive approach, got his swings. Very good bat speed which produced plus raw pull power in batting practice. Connects well to start his swing, but tends to...