Basic Info
Age (Opening Day 2011): 21
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 180 lbs
How Acquired: 2007 draft, 22nd round
2010 Stats
2010 was James’ first full season in the minors as a hitter/outfielder (he was converted from a pitcher) and he performed about as expected. He was very up and down (excellent in June/July with a .814 OPS, not so much the rest of the time) and probably hit a wall as the season came to an end. But he showed just enough that he didn’t plummet on my list, as he will next year if he doesn’t break out.
Scouting Report
With James, you always start with the raw tools, and I can’t say it better than BP’s Kevin Goldstein did last year in his top-11 Phillies prospects.
James’ tools border on ridiculous. Similar to Domonic Brown in terms of build and athleticism, he’s a switch-hitter with at least average raw power, with many scouts putting a future plus on him. His speed rates as a 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale, just a tick below Gillies and Gose. He showed intriguing natural hitting ability last summer despite the rustiness, with a good idea at the plate, and he has the ability to use all fields. He’s a good outfielder, and his arm is outstanding.
In terms of turning those tools into actual skill, he showed he has a ways to go.
What to Look For in 2011
Either a break-out campaign, or a bust. James is old for Lakewood, and if he wants to be a MLB outfielder, he needs to start showing some serious improvement.
For me, I’m hoping he starts developing the power stroke he was said to have, but was completely dormant in 2010.
Grades (Out of 10)
Upside – 10
A more athletic Domonic Brown. But only has about a 5% chance of actually being that.
Production -4
Stole some bases, and a .270 BA isn’t bad, but nothing to write home about anywhere else.
Proximity to Majors – 4
Needs at least 2 more seasons in the minors, barring an amazing 2011.
Video
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A more athletic Domonic Brown. But only has about a 5% chance of actually being that.>>
Not sure I understand that. You mean 5% chance of being that good? That’s some high praise to say he’s more athletic than DB. DB was said to have gained 10 lbs in muscle when he showed up today. Maybe that’ll get some power going for Jiwan.Lotsa good ones start out with that physique.
Rule number 1 of following sports. Don’t believe everything you read/hear/see.
Rule number 2. Don’t disbelieve it just because you read/saw/heard.
Sift, baby, sift.
Then filter some more.
I’m holding these truths to be self evident with 15 hours to go pre Pujols imposed deadline.
I believe the reports that the Cards offered 8 years. That probably would have proven acceptable.
I’m guessing they might have gone as high as 25 mil, with nervous tongues talking knowing that a 150 mil payroll with Albert at 30 would be nerve wracking, and tough to build a quality team with.
I firmly believe the Cards have felt pessimistic about this for weeks, maybe longer and may have already at least developed a plan B market softening rebuild quick strategy. The Cardinal farm system is undertalented. Deal Albert now, and you have strength to get multiple excellent prospects in quantity with clubs played against each other.
I absolutely disbelieve the Pujols stand of no trade will be acceptable. Albert does not want to part with an ounce of bitterness. If, huge if, the Redbirds think it’s best to move on as early as very quickly, Albert would accept a trade, and of course use it as a negotiating chip to his advantage.
I beyond guarantee that John Mozeliak’s phone will light up with tire kicking as early as Wednesday afternoon if the deadline passes to see if that maybe planned plan B might involve a potential transaction soon. Every likely prospect from the Yanks, Phils and Red Sox is on the horn. The Yanks get Albert, they can trade Tex for pitching. RyHo is a start to rebuilding crushed feelings in St. Louis. Theo’s on the phone because Theo is smart.
I absolutely maintain this can and will likely be a major distration to the Cardinals, and certainly pushes the move him now scenario a little more likely.
That’s ebnough for now. lets see what 11 AM tomorrow brings, but hard as it might be to believe, this could dwarf the Cliff free agency. But it’s not adieu about nothing. Not if the deadline is real, and I tend to believe it is. We’ll see.
5% chance of developing the skill to match the athleticism like Brown did.