mlb.com called him the "best pure shortstop" in the draft. Baseball America called him "one of the best defensive players in the draft." Footer's twitter page reads: This is obviously the guy they wanted.
From what I'm reading elsewhere, that is very much a minority view. Almost all of the mocks I've seen had him in the late 1st, and project him as a solid defensive shortstop.
I know nothing about this guy, but it sounds like Adam Everett part 2. I hope we go pitching with our next couple of picks
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/06/09/draft.tracker/index.html#?eref=T1 Baseball America: Bold move by the Astros, who select prep shortstop Jiovanni Mier. Mier really burst on the scene last fall with a great performance with the ABD Bulldogs in the World Wood Bat Association tournament in Jupiter, Fla. Mier is an up-the-middle player, one of the best defenders in the draft and a pick that was rumored this morning -- much (I'm sure) to Bobby Heck's chagrin. Neither Heck nor Jack Zduriencik could keep their secrets this year, somehow word still leaked out. http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_y...4?slug=sh-mockdraft060909&prov=yhoo&type=lgns Mier is the best shortstop in the draft, an exceptional fielder with mental makeup to match
When I was watching the draft on mlb.com the analysts were actually overall pretty positive about our pick This link has video on him: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2009/reports.jsp?content=mier
Courtesty of Zach Levine's blog: Bobby Heck: "We thought he was the best baseball player, a middle of the field player. Like you guys have heard me say many times before, this is a true shortstop who stays at shortstop. He has defensive ability and offensive ability as well. We think he's going to grow into some power as well." "We were elated he was still there. Picking where we did a lot of it you had to wait for some stuff to fall to us. It was an excited room when he did." ''We thought he was the best baseball player in the draft. He has a presence. He looks like a major league SS.''
I take that back about the last link, that wasn't the video I was thinking about...its just picture slideshow
I didn't quite get that impression but I know nothing about the draft and was just going off what I heard compared to their reactions to other picks. It was just unenthusiastic. Maybe, they didn't really know much about him or maybe my impression was just wrong.
Here's another scouting report from Steven Henson at Yahoo.com http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_y...fthspositionplayers060809&prov=yhoo&type=lgns Jiovanni Mier, SS, Bonita HS, LaVerne, Calif.: The best argument going for Mier as a first-round pick is that he plays a premium position, and plays it extremely well. Mier is also a base-stealing threat and a good contact hitter. He probably won’t hit with power because putting on weight and adding strength won’t be a priority, given his position. Mier also exudes a quiet confidence that scouts believe is another reason to draft him. Seems his mental makeup is one of his most intriguing assests
That sounds pretty solid. Heck had something good things to say and I'm sure we'll hear more from him. How many rounds do they get in on Day 1?
Not the most overwhelming pick. I wonder if they're losing confidence in Manzella (who is having a very nice season in AAA). Definitely a wait and see kind of pick.
Here's what the analysts said: -He is projected to have a plus fastball and a plus curveball in the future. -They described his curveball as a "hammer" that has a good downward break with tight spin. -Another analysts commented on how he liked what the Astro's are doing, by not being tempted to fill out our system with college players who are projected to come along sooner but by drafting guys we feel are the best available despite being high schoolers
I think he's trying to replenish the talent in the system rather than go with close-to-ready prospects with less upside. Heck drafted alot of high ceiling guys when he was with the Brewers.
Another high school kid with the last pick of Day 1. Jonathan Meyer - 3B, switch hitter, can pitch and catch as well
pick 111 Jonathan Meyer, 3B Simi Valley HS (Calif.) Hitting ability: Meyer has a solid approach, with strong and quick hands and wrists that produce pretty good bat speed. He's learning to switch-hit and he's stronger from the right side, with a longer swing and less consistency left-handed. Power: Can apply force to his swing, but he doesn't have a ton of strength, so he's got well below-average power, especially using wood. Running speed: He's a little slow out of the box; better runner once underway. Base running: Without great foot speed, he's a solid baserunner who will even pick spots to steal bases now and then. Arm strength: Has a plus arm and fires bullets across the diamond. He's been up to 93 mph off the mound. Fielding: He's an above-average defender with good hands. Range: It's just average, but he's got good instincts on the infield. Good first step allows him to get to balls on both sides. That said, he's likely a third baseman as an infielder. Physical Description: Meyer has a strong, muscular frame with broad shoulders and a strong, durable lower half. Medical Update: Healthy. Strengths: Great makeup and work ethic, excellent instincts. Quick bat with some power. Plus arm strength that plays well in the infield or behind the plate. Weaknesses: Doesn't profile as a shortstop, and while versatility is good, he doesn't have a pure position. Summary: Meyer is a versatile high schooler who plays shortstop and catches while also closing for his team. In the future, he's likely a third baseman or a catcher, which is just fine with him. With a great makeup and work ethic, he's learned how to switch-hit in his senior season to increase his versatility. With a plus arm and good hands, to go along with some good raw power, a team might be interested in seeing what he can do behind the plate. And everyone knows how well catchers can be drafted. Even if he's an infielder, his combination of skills and attitude should be attractive to many teams. They really liked this pick, said he was a 2-way player but refused to sign as a pitcher. http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2009/reports.jsp?content=meyer
Hey wally, Do you know what they mean when they say he has well below average power in the Power section then say he has good raw power in the Summary?
Yea thats wierd,Im no expert but I think in the power section they are assessing him NOW, and that his lack of strength leads to the below average power but I guess they see stuff that lead them to believe when he fills out and puts on more muscle/strength his power will project to be better
