new Klaw article. Loves Acuna hates Riley

[Deester11]

I plan to be in Rome a lot, and I'll let you guys know what I see. That will be the definitive scouting report on him, so we can disregard Law at that point.

I will too Smoot. I'm sure it's going to be a blast.

[VOLracious]

Cubs traded Joe Carter because of slider bat speed!

[clvclv]

I'd love to make the drive and join you for a game. Who's in?

Probably won't make it down to Rome, but I'll at least get to see them when they come to Asheville and Hickory, and might have a chance to catch them in Greenville and Greensboro (I hope). Not sure I'll be able to make time for more than one Georgia trip this summer, so I'll probably go pay my respects to The Ted.

[gilesfan]

Let's not forget Scott Rolen.

and Jeff Francoeur

[gilesfan]

Is he talking about just watching him play in one game? He could have just had a bad game. Maybe could have even not been feeling well or something. The video posted itt shows a different player than what K-law is essentially describing as a bumbling baffoon.

The slider bat speed is coming from his long swing. He has that Troy Glaus uppercut. Not saying he won't be a good player, but that is where that description comes from.

[gilesfan]

Freddie Freeman has carved out a decent early career as a poor man's Mark Grace.

You realize Freeman is better than Grace was, correct?

[striker42]

The slider bat speed is coming from his long swing. He has that Troy Glaus uppercut. Not saying he won't be a good player, but that is where that description comes from.

Watching the video Glaus is exactly who he reminded me of.

[smootness]

The slider bat speed is coming from his long swing. He has that Troy Glaus uppercut. Not saying he won't be a good player, but that is where that description comes from.

Have you seen him play? Where are you getting this from?

[bravesfanMatt]

Have you seen him play? Where are you getting this from?

what the heck am I missing with this long swing.. that video I just watch has a quick swing with a lot of shoulders. seemed he gets in trouble with hips flying open.. but when those move with his shoulders, you can tell he makes great contact..

[weso1]

The slider bat speed is coming from his long swing. He has that Troy Glaus uppercut. Not saying he won't be a good player, but that is where that description comes from.

He should just say he has a long swing then. To me bat speed implies the actual rate of speed the bat moves through the zone at contact. A long swing is much more correctable.

[keithlaw]

You realize Freeman is better than Grace was, correct?

[50PoundHead]

and Jeff Francoeur

Which is why Riley can't swing at crap. Francoeur could still have succeeded with a slow bat had he not swung at everything from his shoe tops to the bill of his cap.

[GovClintonTyree]

You realize Freeman is better than Grace was, correct?

No ****. I was referring to Law's now-legendary drive-by scouting of Freddie back in 2010 or so.

[GovClintonTyree]

what the heck am I missing with this long swing.. that video I just watch has a quick swing with a lot of shoulders. seemed he gets in trouble with hips flying open.. but when those move with his shoulders, you can tell he makes great contact..

Look to me like he hit straight ball very much.

Gilesfan, that's a Major League reference.

[gilesfan]

Have you seen him play? Where are you getting this from?

Yes, watching him play. He has a long, uppercut in his swing. Reminds me of Glaus and kind of Andy Marte ish.

[gilesfan]

Which is why Riley can't swing at crap. Francoeur could still have succeeded with a slow bat had he not swung at everything from his shoe tops to the bill of his cap.

Part of the problem with a long swing is you have to start it sooner. It is kind of a double edged sword. He can always work on it, Im sure.

[Enscheff]

Third baseman Austin Riley, the team's third pick (41st overall) in 2015, couldn't have looked any worse. The team's No. 12 prospect showed slider bat speed that had him behind average fastballs from Sanchez, and he also struck out on a slider well below the zone. He showed 20-grade speed (on the 20-80 scouting scale) running out a double play that he should have beaten, and he fell down on a ground ball hit right at him at third base because he couldn't move his feet enough to allow him to handle the ball cleanly. Instead, he tried at the last second to backhand it and fell down. He has a 70 arm and is clearly very strong, enough to run into some power, but this was not a great look for his hit or glove tools.

Holy ****. I'll be surprised if the guy can feed himself after that hatchet job.

It's odd because BP said exactly the opposite:

"Well, this certainly qualifies as a surprise. Most of the scouts I spoke with before last year’s draft thought Riley profiled best as a pitcher. The Braves saw a hitter, and in a limited sample it appears they may just be on to something. His impressive combination of bat speed and strength give him plus power from the right side, with a chance for more as he fills out his frame."

[Carp]

Judge Riley for yourself. He's got a nice looking swing. Honestly, he looks like a prototypical mashing third baseman. Also, you don't hit like he did last year without being able to catch up to a fastball. Rookie ball is full of guys with good fastballs who throw them a lot.

May be ita just me, but from that side view, it seems he has a bit if a timing issue.