I have a few questions about Engel, if those who are more educated don't mind educating me. Plus I want to discuss him because he is an interesting prospect.

 

I know he has plus-plus speed and a good arm. Has anybody seen his defense in person? It sounds like he has all the tools to be above average to elite in CF. Obviously, the jury is still out about his bat. Looking much improved since the AFL. Is there any chance that he is brought up this year as a defensive replacement if his bat keeps improving? That is, once the minor league seasons end. I know they won't take valuable at bats away from him. He is getting up there in age. A call up at the end of teh season wouldn't surprise me if it is warranted.

I've only seen him once in person, a couple times on MiLB.tv, and briefly in an ST game on TV. But I've also spoken with people who watch him regularly. His defense is very good - speed is a big help, but he also seems to be pretty efficient to the ball. His arm is pretty strong too, though maybe not as big as sometimes characterized.

 

The main question is, and has been, the hit tool. He made some significant mechanical changes last season. It's not just the AFL - look at his numbers during last year and you see the improvement during the year as well, leading to AFL. If he can make consistent contact, that is huge for him.

 

He already draws some walks. He's a very strong guy, more so than you'd think for a speed demon, so there is raw, untapped power in his frame. Increased contact would allow that to play up.

 

His speed is legit. 70 grade or better.

 

Basically, if he can make consistent contact, he's got the tools to be a legit starting MLB center fielder. That is by no means guaranteed, but it is possible, if things go well.

 

2016? He could be a September call-up (so that he doesn't burn much service time), to use as a pinch runner and defensive replacement. But I doubt, even under the best circumstances, that his bat will be fully MLB-ready by then.

 

FanGraphs once famously said Mike Trout level athlete.

FanGraphs once famously said Mike Trout level athlete.

More specifically, Nathaniel Stoltz said he was built like Trout physically. Body comp, but not tools comp.

 

Engel is one of the hitters I'm really excited about. Hope he stays healthy and hits the day lights out of the ball

The White Sox have been batting close to .000 with these toolsy guys who needed a lot of development. They are due for one to come through. This would be a good one.

The White Sox have been batting close to .000 with these toolsy guys who needed a lot of development. They are due for one to come through. This would be a good one.

 

Saladino and Thompson are two leading candidates.

He's one of my favorite prospects in the system. I've always had high school girl crushes on toolsy guys (or guys with raw stuff as far as pitchers) so I hope he succeeds.

He's over .300 as of Tuesday at Birmingham.

 

Watched him in college. He's sure-handed and gets good reads. Arm is good, not great.

 

Plays the game with the football mentality. He was a high school quarterback in suburban Cincinnati.

More specifically, Nathaniel Stoltz said he was built like Trout physically. Body comp, but not tools comp.

 

I'll find the exact tweet, but he said something like "He's the closest athlete physically to Mike Trout that I've ever seen".

"Adam Engel is a near-Mike Trout-level athlete. I know that sounds ridiculously hyperbolic, but I say it with unblinking sincerity. There are more 80-grade runners out there than one might think (largely because a lot of them can’t hit at all and thus never get any press), but very few of them have Trout’s dimensions of 6’2″ and 230 pounds. Engel is 6’1″ and 215, which is about as close as you’re going to get, and he was considered the fastest player in the collegian draft class last year. And boy, is he ever:"

 

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/prospect-wa...sy-outfielders/

Saladino and Thompson are two leading candidates.

 

Yikes.

I'll find the exact tweet, but he said something like "He's the closest athlete physically to Mike Trout that I've ever seen".

 

That's not comparing hitting tools. More of speed and defense most likely based on his size. Trout's a pretty thick dude who can cover some ground.

Edited April 13, 201610 yr by soxfan2014

More specifically, Nathaniel Stoltz said he was built like Trout physically. Body comp, but not tools comp.

Maybe I saw Engel on an odd day, but I don't see a build like Trout (at least not today's version of Trout). Trout is one of the strongest, shorter, stockier guys I've seen. I don't remember Engel being as stocky / strong. That isn't a knock, Trout just has a really unique body type. He does have a ton of physical tools / attributes though (Engel).

Sounds like Engel could get called up during the stretch run if the Sox need a pinch runner or defensive replacement.

Sounds like Engel could get called up during the stretch run if the Sox need a pinch runner or defensive replacement.

Mike, I don't hear it.