If you get to see AJ Reed in person play, it is quite impressive. He has toned up and looks smoother in his swing. My buddy sends me game tapes of his at bats and in the field. He is a massive man and has become lean. His approach is excellent and the power is legit. I have a suspicion his hips will cause strikeout issues in the majors. Kind of reminds me of a mixture of Richie Sexson, Adam Dunn and Lance Berkman. His glove is nice, with average range but makes all the plays in front of him well.
@Ken_Rosenthal: Charley Kerfeld, the top #Phillies scout who watched #Rangers’ Double A affiliate last night, scouted #Astros’ Double A affiliate tonight. Yikes. Well, that could put Phillips or Reed on the table.
They were either already available or they weren't, from the Astros point of view. I wouldn't read too much into that.
Could be a number of people. I have concern about Phillips extra base potential in the majors. He is fast but not much of a base stealer and he may move to a corner outfield spot. He will be a fine fielder in the outfield but if he doesn't steal bases and doesn't hit for power and doesn't play a premium position... Then you better REALLY hit well to make an impact.
He is a prospect, a very good one, but a prospect No guarantees and we have a ton of good ones If it takes moving him to up our chances at winning it all Buh Bye
Yeah, I didn't phrase that how I meant it. Meant any of us who expected those 2 to be off the table may be in for a touch of disappointment.
He is a good prospect but there are serious questions about him. Still, if you move him it needs to not be for a rental. Why I have less of an objection dealing him for Hamels.
I see Phillips as a Nick Markakis type as his ceiling. Maybe a 10-15 home run guy regularly with 30-40 doubles and .280 - .290 average. Has speed but won't steal more than 20 bases a year. Good defense with a great arm. Could end up being more like David DeJesus if he doesn't work out. Productive contributor but nothing special. AJ Reed...Jim Thome would be a stretch considering he hit 40+ home runs like 5 times...but big lefty bats with limited defensive capability at 1B with high walk totals with 130+ strikeouts but ability to hit for a decent average...
Reed is already good at playing first and has potential to be very good. He is a huge target, has a soft glove, very strong and accurate arm and has good instincts. He is a little stiff at times but other than limited range, there are no weaknesses defensively.
Great comparisons. I was hoping for a little more Jacoby Ellsbury out of Maverick but that may be a little far fetched. Markakis sounds a lot more reasonable
