Chris Hawkins is presently the left-fielder for the Bluefield Blue Jays. So far this year, the young left-hander has posted a .294 average, scoring 33 runs and hitting eight doubles, six triples and five homeruns.  

When one of the writers from JaysProspects.com, Cody Cockrum, went to see him play last week, he observed that, “Hawkins has an open, crouched stance and holds his bat fairly low. He has good bat speed that was evident in 3 of his 4 at-bats. He hit the ball well and did a good job of getting on top of the ball to hit a line drive single and two hard hit fly outs. He has good barrel awareness, the ability to consistently hit the ball on the barrel. Right now, his hit tool is a 35 present value with a 50 future value and his power is 35 PV with 40/45 FV.” (Editor’s note: You can also read Cockrum’s scouting report on Aaron Sanchez here).

While Cockrum offered great information, I went on a search to find out more about the young player from Sugar Hill, Georgia. I soon found out that the best information would come from player himself and was elated when he agreed to do an interview with JaysProspects.com.

In 2010 with Bluefield, Hawkins scored 29 runs, and had nine doubles and three triples, maintaining an average of .255. While some may have thought that was a little low, for me, it was perfect, as by guessing that he would end the season with a .255 avg last year, I was awarded this: 

Hawkins has posted a .294 avg, with 33R, 8-2Bs, 6-3Bs and 5HRs.

 On a more serious note, I then asked Hawkins which MLB player he idolized growing up. He responded: “A player I have always looked up to would be Brian McCann.  I hit with his father, Howie McCann, in the offseason and got to meet Brian and talk to him. The way he carries himself on and off the field is very professional, plus his swing is great! It’s actually the reason I wear #16 as that was his number too!  

Within the past two years, Hawkins has certainly proven himself offensively and defensively. But when asked what he felt his best skill was overall his response was, “I believe that my best skill is my bat.  I have worked long days on my swing and I firmly believe I have made many improvements.  With that being said, I do know there is still a lot at the plate I can improve on.”

Recognizing his greatest strength on the field, the leftfielder was then questioned what his best skill was off the field. To which the 19-year-old stated, “Off the field I am pretty solid at NCAA Football 2011 on the XBOX 360.  In the offseason (and in my down time) I play against my friends. I’m not going to lie… I’m pretty good.”

Having successfully stolen eight bases last year and 11 bases so far this year it is evident that speed is important to his game. In fact, Hawkins stated, “Speed always helps anyone’s game.  For me, it allows me to steal some bags and perhaps give the pitcher something to think about. More importantly, however, it allows me to score more runs for my team and be able to get important infield singles every once in awhile.”

I cannot thank Chris Hawkins enough for his time (and the ball!). Everyone at JaysProspects.com wishes him the best of luck during the rest of the season and within the rest of his career.