REPORT FILED: NOVEMBER 27
Here is one of my favorite prospects: Kevin Mench of the Texas Rangers.
Kevin Mench
Texas Rangers
Position: OF Height: 6-0 Weight: 215 Born: 1/7/78 Bats: Right Throws: Right
| Year |
Team |
Level |
G |
AB |
R |
H |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
BB |
K |
SB |
CS |
BA |
OBP |
SLG |
| 1999 |
Pulaski |
R |
65 |
260 |
63 |
94 |
22 |
1 |
16 |
60 |
28 |
48 |
12 |
2 |
.362 |
.420 |
.638 |
| 1999 |
Savannah |
A |
6 |
23 |
4 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
8 |
2 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
.304 |
.360 |
.696 |
| 2000 |
Charlotte |
A |
132 |
491 |
118 |
164 |
39 |
9 |
27 |
121 |
78 |
72 |
19 |
7 |
.334 |
.427 |
.615 |
The Rangers drafted Mench in the fourth round in 1999, from the University of Delaware. He led NCAA Division I in home runs in 1998, but didn't hit quite as well his draft year. Scouts liked his bat speed, but questioned his athleticism and defensive ability, which is why he dropped to the fourth round. It's safe to say that the Rangers are happy they got him.
Mench has completely dominated pro pitching. He has terrific bat speed, excellent strike zone judgment, shows power to all fields, and demonstrates no weaknesses at the plate. He hits everything hard. You might get him out on a pitch, but don't throw it again the next at-bat. He adjusts to pitch sequences very quickly and thinks along with pitchers. The combination of natural strength and an intelligent hitting approach has served him well.
Look at his numbers in the Florida State League. There are no holes ... indeed, he actually improved his strike zone judgment compared to his initial rookie ball experience. That's the mark of an outstanding hitter. Mench hit the tar out of the ball in the Arizona Fall League (more on that later in the week), and I have no doubts that he will hit at higher levels.
What about the other aspects of his game? Although Mench isn't especially quick, he is a good athlete, and is adept at reading pitchers and stealing bases. He could probably swipe 10-15 a year at the major-league level once he settles in. He is underrated as a defensive player. He led the Florida State League in fielding percentage, has a decent arm and adequate range. He'll be just fine in left field.
Because he lacks experience above Class A, Mench will need a few months in the high minors to work the last kinks out. But I would be very surprised if he isn't starting in the Rangers' outfield in 2002.
Mailbag questions
ExNavy writes: How has Chris Reitsma looked and where do you see him with the Reds next year?
I'm working on the Minor League Scouting Notebook for STATS, and I just wrote up Reitsma yesterday. His early years in the Red Sox system were hampered by a broken elbow, but he was healthy in 2000 and impressed a lot of scouts. The Reds were happy to get him in the Bichette trade.
Reitsma throws in the low-to-mid 90s and has good breaking stuff. Although some people think he will be ready for the majors in 2001, I am not quite as optimistic. Although he went 7-2, 2.58 in Double-A, his strikeout rate was rather low, which is unusual for a pitcher who throws hard. My guess is that he'll need a year of Triple-A before being ready, and the Reds should avoid rushing him.
Todd D. writes: Which pitcher do you like better for the long-term: Barry Zito, Brad Penny or Jon Garland?
For immediate performance, I would take Zito, since he is the most polished of the bunch. For long-term performance, I think I would take Penny. I like Garland, but he was rushed last year and that can sometimes have negative effects on a pitcher's psyche. I think Penny has the best combination of potential and performance for the long-term.
John Sickels is working on the STATS 2001 Minor League Scouting Notebook. You can email your questions to him at JASickels@AOL.com. | |
ALSO SEE
Down on the Farm archive
|