Written by: Jake Tweedie
Follow him on Twitter: @MLBUKAnalysis1
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The second part of this 2 part mini-series focuses on the Outfielders and Designated Hitters for the East vs West game. This will compare the 3 outfield positions and the groups of 3 Designated Hitters that both teams had.
If you haven’t checked out part 1, which focused on Infielders, then catch it here. We added catchers to the infield positions and came up with some interesting comparisons.
We will use the same format and look at each position’s draft stock and who comes out on top, including one exciting battle.
Left-Fielder: Mario Zabala (East) v Slade Wilks (West)
| Player | HIT | RAW PWR | PWR | SPD | ARM | FLD | FV |
| Zabala | 30 / 40 | 45 / 65 | 35 / 50 | 45 / 45 | 40 / 50 | 35 / 45 | 45 |
| Wilks | 30 / 40 | 40 / 55 | 35 / 50 | 40 / 40 | 40 / 50 | 30 / 40 | 45 |
Offensive: They are both very closely matched offensively. They can both hit well and generate solid power from their shots.
Zabala just nicks it due to his speed between the bases. His 10 yard dash time of 1.51 was quick, but when you see him in action he is a base stealing threat. It’s impressive enough he can reach an exit velocity of 100mph with an effortless swing, but his speed adds to his abilities. He has a nice wide stance with a small kick before he shifts well onto his front foot. His quick bat speed comes round beautifully and makes solid contact with the ball. He has a strong and athletic build that will only mean he can improve.
Wilks has the same strong build, with potential to grow. He has a nice stance, with slight weight on his back foot, before a medium kick and incredible upper body movement to generate his power. He has reached 99mph exit velocity and 81mph barrel, whilst also being useful over 10 yards (1.53). His power is evident when he runs in straight lines, but lacks the lower body movement to be an aggressive base runner and utilise his full potential when swinging the bat.
Defensive: Defensively they are both strong and accurate throwers, but both have some work to do to be solid fielders.
Zabala lacks the footwork required when making plays, but uses his spring and agility to make impressive catches and jumps. Wilks, however, needs to work on his defensive aspect as a whole. He has been touted to move to 1B, but his main tool is his attacking prowess at the plate.
Draft Verdict: Zabala could easily go bottom 2nd round, but don’t be surprised to see him a little higher than that. Wilks could go top of 3rd round, maybe bottom of 2nd.
Verdict: Mario Zabala (East)
He is the most impressive runner so far so adds to the offensive with base stealing abilities. He is also a useful defender who, in time, could become an above average fielder and slugger.
Centre-Fielder: Dylan Crews (East) v Pete Crow-Armstrong (West)
One of the most intriguing battles yet. Both are very good in their positions and both the standout guys in the roster.
| Player | HIT | RAW PWR | PWR | SPD | ARM | FLD | FV |
| Crews | 35 / 50 | 45 / 65 | 40 / 55 | 45 / 40 | 35 / 45 | 40 / 50 | 50 |
| PCA | 35 / 55 | 40 / 55 | 35 / 45 | 40 / 40 | 40 / 50 | 45 / 55 | 50 |
Offensive: They are balanced when it comes to offensive abilities. Crow-Armstrong is more consistent with his hitting and has smoother contact, whilst Crews generates more power and has bigger upside strength wise.
Crews has a nice stance, very upright, whilst having a low kick to help him wind into his powerful swing. His loose hands combined with his hip movement and quick bat speed creates great power when barreling the ball. His exit velocity of 100mph is extremely impressive and showcases his future potential power. He has the ability to hit all around the park but is best when hitting to right centre field. He is also lightning quick between the bases, having a 10 yard dash speed of 1.54.
Crow-Armstrong is unlikely to bulk up so is reliant on hitting the ball into space and getting on base. He can hit the ball with an exit velocity of 99mph, but this is more down to his impressive strength rather than batting power. His lean build allows him to have decent pace and he utilises his long limbs within his swing action. He has a wide stance, bouncy on his feet, before a medium kick, big rotation and quick bat speed to pull the ball effectively.
Defensive: From a fielding perspective, Crow-Armstrong is one of the most promising players in the Draft. Although Crews is a solid defender, Crow-Armstrong dominates in this area.
Crews’ throws have improved with maturity and become more accurate, but are lacking in real power. He is energetic in the field and positionally very good, but his lack of throwing power stifles this slightly.
PCA is solid in the field. He is an accurate thrower with raw arm strength that will only improve as he gets stronger. His positioning is very good and is quick to the ball to make plays. He utilises his quality acceleration to get under the ball, and can get to the wall in decent timing.
Draft Verdict: In our mock draft PCA goes number 15 with the Phillies, whilst Crews goes off to LSU for the next 3 years. He is a definite for a first round pick in 2023.
Verdict: Pete Crow-Armstrong (West)
With the ability to be a dangerous 4 tool / 5 tool prospect, PCA takes the CF position based purely on his well-rounded qualities. Big player for the future.
Right-Fielder: Austin Hendrick (East) v Chase Davis (West)
Another area which is very well matched. Hendrick stands out as a powerful hitter, but Davis should not be slept on.
| Player | HIT | RAW PWR | PWR | SPD | ARM | FLD | FV |
| Hendrick | 35 / 45 | 50 / 70 | 45 / 60 | 35 / 35 | 45 / 55 | 40 / 50 | 50 |
| Davis | 30 / 40 | 45 / 60 | 40 / 55 | 35 / 30 | 50 / 60 | 45 / 55 | 45 |
Offensive: They are both solid hitters of the ball, but Hendrick’s power really shines through. Davis has some serious potential but Hendrick just nicks it offensively.
Hendrick has an unorthodox swing to say the least, he utilises his explosive bat speed magnificently though to generate some big power. He stands deep at the plate, with a narrow stance, before making a big stride forward before the ball comes. He can hit with an exit velocity of 105mph, which is huge, and has room to improve further. If he can work on his stance and swing to be more consistent hitting the ball then he can be a serious threat with the power he can produce now.
Davis is more orthodox in his swing but can still produce solid power. He can get under the ball well, and hits with ease. His exit velocity of 97mph is impressive, whilst his strong, athletic build shows that he has the potential to be much better. He bounces with a small rock back before pushing his lower body forward and using his momentum to generate his quick bat speed.
Defensive: Davis’ arm strength is the decider between these 2 defensively.
Hendrick is accurate and powerful, with quick footwork and quick release. He is an average fielder with decent potential, but his main tool is his power at the plate.
Davis has supreme arm strength and is accurate with it. He is a solid defender with plenty of power. Despite his powerful throws he is accurate and always finds the bases effectively and cleanly.
Draft Verdict: Hendrick is touted to be number 7 on our mock draft, whilst Chase Davis has the qualities in defense to be a decent 2nd round addition.
Verdict: Austin Hendrick (East)
It was a lot closer than I expected it to be but Hendrick’s plus power and huge upside makes him my RF. The ability to be a Top 10 pick is justified by his hitting potential and his high power ceiling.
Designated Hitters: Team East (Coby Mayo, Zac Veen and Jake Deleo) v Team West (Kevin Parada, Tyler Soderstrom and AJ Vukovich)
This is where things get interesting. Some of these guys are solid defenders with huge fielding upside, however, we are focusing on just their hitting potential.
Team East
| Player | HIT | RAW PWR | PWR | FV |
| Mayo | 30 / 40 | 45 / 65 | 45 / 55 | 40 |
| Veen | 35 / 55 | 45 / 65 | 45 / 55 | 55 |
| Deleo | 35 / 50 | 55 / 70 | 45 / 60 | 40 |
Team West
| Player | HIT | RAW PWR | PWR | FV |
| Parada | 35 / 55 | 45 / 60 | 40 / 50 | 45 |
| Soderstrom | 35 / 55 | 45 / 55 | 40 / 50 | 50 |
| Vukovich | 30 / 40 | 45 / 65 | 40 / 55 | 40 |
Team East is built with some strong athletes. Mayo and Veen stand at 6’4, whilst Deleo is 6’2. Their power potential is greater than that of the West, but their hitting ability is slightly less.
Coby Mayo is a 3B by nature and has scary power potential. He has solid arm strength and the quality to match. His exit velocity of 105mph is hugely impressive and he is strong adn well-proportioned. He is not the most consistent and has an unorthodox stance and swing, but his power is his biggest asset.
Zac Veen is one of the most exciting players in this year’s Draft. His power has big potential, he is built solidly and has a beautiful swing. His tall stance and medium kick enable him to generate great power. He has an exit velocity of 95mph, and has the ability to go long with ease.
Jake Deleo is the most interesting out of the 3. He has an exit velocity of 103mph, with projectable power and a large frame. He has a wide stance, with a low kick, before driving through the ball with extreme force. The ball explodes off the barrel and there’s a lot more to come. He is also quick for someone so powerful, running the 10 yard dash in 1.54.
Team West is more balanced with consistent hitting. They may not be as powerful but have the ability to get on base more often.
Kevin Parada uses his lower body to great effect when at the plate. He has an exit velocity of 99mph, and shows good potential when pulling the ball. He has a wide stance, with a low kick, before using his lower body to get under the ball and generate solid power. He can be occasionally caught out with his short swing, but when he makes contact with the ball he can cause some serious damage.
Tyler Soderstrom is the best out of the 3 from the West. He is not the most powerful with an exit velocity of 94mph, but he makes solid contact and does so high in his swing. He can generate decent power from barreling the ball so well, mainly due to his quality hip movement in his swing. He is a catcher by nature but is already looking at moving to 3B or the OF so his hitting and power will improve the more he focuses on his plate discipline.
AJ Vukovich is the largest of the 6, standing at 6’5. He has projectable power and build so, despite his average exit velocity of 89mph, he has the potential to become a much stronger hitter of the ball. He has long range in his swing due to his size, and has quick hip movement alongside his quick hands. He is long levered and has decent physicality, so with experience and time he can make the most of his great swing and utilise his size to his advantage.
Draft Verdict: Mayo has the potential to be a 3rd rounder, maybe even low 2nd, Veen is projected number 6 in our mock draft and Deleo is a 3rd rounder. Parada is a potential 3rd rounder, maybe 2nd, Soderstrom is projected 34th in our mock draft and Vukovich is a low 2nd rounder.
Verdict: Team East (Mayo, Veen and Deleo)
For my DHs I’m going to have to go for power. Veen is a high 1st rounder, whilst Mayo and Deleo have huge power potential. Team West are quality players without a shadow of a doubt but my preference is power over consistent hitting.
Overall Team
C – Drew Romo (West)
1B – Blaze Jordan (East)
2B – Yohandy Morales (East)
3B – Jordan Walker (East)
SS – Ed Howard (East)
LF – Mario Zabala (East)
CF – Pete Crow-Armstrong (West)
RF – Austin Hendrick (East)
DHs – Team East (Mayo, Veen and Deleo)
So that concludes our Battle of the All-American 2019. Let me know if you have any different opinions on @MLBUKAnalysis1 and send me your teams.
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