Scouting Reports - C.J. Cron (2011 Draft Class)

Cron in 140 characters or less:

Big power and advanced approach; imposing presence; good feel for game and comfy on field; questions on inner-half, but bat should play

Scouted:

2011 Jack Gifford Memorial Tournament (Santa Clara, Calif.), March 11 and 13, 2011 (film)
Mountain West Conf. Tournament (San Diego, Calif.), May 25-27, 2010 (film)
Univ. of Utah vs. TCU (Ogden, Utah). May 5, 2010 (film)

Physical Description:

Big, big body with weight centered in the core/trunk. Shows some agility but has lost a step as he's grown. Well below average runner.

Defense:

Cron shows solid footwork at first base, though his range is limited. He handles the bag well and shows relatively soft hands in his picks. A catcher through high school, he has played almost exclusively at first for his collegiate career for a variety of reasons -- the most recent being a sore labrum. While it is not out of the question that he could see some time behind home in the Minors, the smart money is on a long-term future at first base, where he should be able to provide average defense or a tick above.

Bat:

Cron will make his money off the strength of his bat, which shows the potential to provide production both in the power department and as a pure hit tool. Because the Utes slugger is so big, and his arms so long, he can give them impression that his bat takes some time to get through the zone. While he certainly is no Rendon with regards to bat speed, he possesses more than enough to consistently square-up good velocity. While his long limbs and strong core help him to generate good leverage and big raw power, he will have to show that he can adequately cover the inner-half of the plate once faced with more advanced pitching and generally broader repertoires. Cron is comfortable in the box and shows a high level of understanding with regards to approach and pitch selection. He has the strength to hit oppo with power, and the discipline to allow pitches to travel on the outer half before dropping the barrel on the ball.

Discussion:

Cron may have as much offensive upside as anyone in the draft not named Rendon. If he provided a little more value in other aspects of the game he would almost certainly be a candidate to go in the Top 10 overall in June and, as it is, he'd be an early-1st Round lock in a less loaded draft class. His power potential and polish make him an attractive target and he should be off the board at some point in the Supplemental-1st Round, if not in the 15-32 range in the 1st Round. There is always some risk in taking a prospect whose value is almost exclusively tied to his bat, but Cron shows an advanced feel already, and as a member of a baseball household should possess the mental tools to help him to incorporate pro instruction as he progresses towards the Bigs.

Projected position: Fringe-above-average first baseman on 1st division team

Suggested draft slot: Late- to Supplemental-1st Round

Videos:

Not available