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Dominic Smith
| Dominic Smith |
||
|---|---|---|
| Pos | High School / College | Consensus Rank |
| 1B/OF |
Juniperro Serra HS (CA) |
late 1st round |
| B/T | Birthdate (age) | Height / Weight |
| L/L | 6/15/95 (17) | 6'0" / 195 lbs |
The 17-year-old Cali prep product is known as potentially the best pure hitter out of the high school ranks in this year's draft. As I alluded to, however. Smith sounds a lot like a first baseman we know: Lefty who can hit the low 90's from the mound. Plays some right field, but doesn't have the footspeed for the position long-term. Features a much better glove at first. Swing can get long from the left side. That last part should have been the clincher for you.
Despite the resemblance to Ike Davis, Smith boasts a superior hit tool at the same age and figures to hit for more average at the highest levels -- if all goes according to plan. He doesn't have the all-around toolbox that some of his contemporaries hang their hats on, but the powerful bat will get him called before too long.
Video (via ESPN Insider):
What the scouts are saying:
Keith Law, ESPN:
"[Smith] has a very smooth left-handed swing and when he does square the ball up, he generates surprising raw power ... he can't play another position, but he does have the benefit of being able to play a very good first base."
Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com:
"[Smith] is a very solid defender at first, though it's the fact that some see him as the best pure high school hitter in the class that will get him drafted in the early stages."
What Alex is saying:
"Dominic Smith is a hitter. With good strength, a quick bat, and a sound approach at the plate, Smith figures to contribute with the bat. He’s not perfect by any means--right now he strides aggressively towards the ball, hitting it way out in front. Good hitters keep their weight back and let their bat speed do all the work, so whoever drafts Smith will need to calm down his lower half, which should greatly boost his power production. Defensively, I don’t think he’s fast enough to hold down a right field slot as a pro, so expect him to settle in at first, where he figures to be a very good defender, with good mobility and a great arm."
