http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/ask-ba-is-javier-baez-ready-for-the-big- leagues/ How real of a prospect is Mookie Betts? He’s had an amazing year, hitting for good power for a second baseman, walking, stealing bases without getting caught? Is he a breakthrough prospect along the lines of Alen Hanson from last year, or is he not in that category? Ben Hall Providence, RI Betts is a very real prospect and one of the breakout stars of the 2013 season. Scouts who have seen him this year have been impressed with his excellent batting eye, solid defense, plus running ability and surprising power. Betts hit .314/.417/.506 with 15 home runs, 36 doubles and 38 steals this year between low Class A Greenville and high Class A Salem. Mookie BettsBetts is one of a number of prospects the Red Sox went well above-slot for in the final year of the old draft rules in 2011. The fifth-round pick signed for $750,000 (more than the Red Sox spent on their second, third or fourth-rounders) as the Red Sox convinced him to turn down a scholarship to Tennessee. Betts’ wiry strength and pitch recognition have stood out most this year. Betts showed an inside-out singles-oriented swing in his first significant pro action in 2012, but this year he’s pulling the ball with much more authority. He has strong wrists and a whippy bat that provides surprising pop. That power is aided by how quickly he seems to recognize pitches. Betts has 81 walks this year compared to only 57 strikeouts. While those numbers will likely flip when he faces more advanced pitchers, he has a knack to getting on-base. Betts also stole 38 bags in 42 attempts this year. Betts is an above-average runner and most importantly he gets to full speed very quickly. Defensively, Betts has looked much better since sliding over to second base (like most second baseman he was originally a shortstop). Long term, he projects as a top-of-the-order hitter thanks to his on-base skills, and unlike many top-of-the-order speedsters, he has enough power to force pitchers to treat him gingerly if they fall behind in the count. --

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