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Draft Prospect Profile: OF D.J. Davis

Draft Prospect Profile: OF D.J. Davis

June 3, 2012

Date of Birth: June 27, 1993 (Age 19)
Hometown:
Wiggins, MS
Height: 6’1
Weight: 180lbs
Bats/Throws: L/L
Position: OF
School:
Stone County HS
Commitment: Meridian CC
Baseball America Rank: 20th
MLB.com Rank: 21st

** Disclaimer: Some of the information provided in scouting report is courtesy of Baseball America, MLB.com, Baseball Prospectus and ESPN. **

These prospect profiles aren’t the best available players in the entire draft, they are just prospects they are projected to go in the range where the Blue Jays are picking. These are players that I feel would interest the Blue Jays, some but not all prospects featured have been linked to the Blue Jays.

Strengths

Davis’ greatest strength is his plus-plus speed, said to be one of, if not the fastest player, in this draft class. He runs for a 6.4 second 60-yard dash time, and is said to be faster than Reds’ Billy Hamilton. Players climb and fall on draft boards frequently, especially prep players. Davis has rocketed up draft boards because of his great approach at the plate. Everyone knows of his speed, he has the ability to change the dynamics of a game due to his base-stealing ability. Davis has started to hit the gaps, giving him the ability to hit and run whereas before he was said to be merely a runner. He has outstanding range and gets good reads on balls hit to the outfield. He plays with high-energy and knows his game, making him a potential great leadoff hitter when he transitions to the pro-level.

Weaknesses

Davis’ arm strength is average to below-average but due to his speed and excellent range this shouldn’t affect his position. Jacoby Ellsbury comes to mind, someone with great speed an excellent center-fielder but doesn’t have a strong arm. His hitting skills are still very raw and he has yet to face some elite competition.

Ceiling

If Davis can continue to hit at the pro-level he could turn into a very good center-fielder. He can hit for gap-to-gap power and swipe 40+ bags a year giving solid defense at a premium position.

Floor

Given his 80 speed on the 20-80 scouting scale if he is unable to hit enough to become a starter in the major leagues he should find a bench spot. He could be used as a pinch runner and a defensive replacement.

JaysProspects Analysis

Davis is an intriguing player, his speed alone is going to push him up draft boards because you just don’t see that talent very often. Given his ability to play a very good center-field and his showing of gap-to-gap power this would be a very good pick for the Blue Jays if the can get him. Pitching and up-the-middle position players are the most coveted players because they are premium talent. He should be able to find his hitting game at the pro-level and being able to know your greatest strength as a player is extremely important. Being able to play with a high-energy is extremely beneficial to a team, look at current Blue Jays Brett Lawrie as a good example.

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