Scouting Reports - Francisco Lindor (2011 Draft Class)

Lindor in 140 characters or less:

Potential top-tier defensive shortstop with above-average hit tool from both sides; high energy on field but focused; ++make-up, ++ feel.

Scouted:

2010 WWBA World Championship (Jupiter, Fla.), October 21-24, 2010 (in attendance)
2010 Aflac All-American Baseball Classic (San Diego, Calif.), August 15, 2010 (film)
2010 Tournament of Stars (Cary, N.C.), June 23-27, 2010 (film)
2010 PG National Showcase (Tampa, Fla.), June 17-20, 2010 (film)

Physical Description:

Lean, athletic build. Projects to wiry strength with loose, clean actions. Will add thickness in lower-half, but should not affect mobility. Highly agile with top level body control in field.

Defense:

Lindor is the always highly coveted draft prospect capable of not only sticking at shortstop as pro, but excelling there. The Floridian prep star has easy actions in the field, showing solid range up the middle, to the hole and charging. He has plus arm strength with carry and is accurate from varying angles. Perhaps most impressive, Lindor possesses the rare talent of creativity in the field, showing an advanced ability to improvise on the fly and adapt to a play as it unfolds in front of him. There is little doubt he will provide good defensive value at the next level, and the foundation is there for him to develop into an elite talent at a premium position.

Bat:

A switch hitter, Lindor has a compact linedrive stroke from the right side, and a slightly lengthier cut from the left with a little more natural loft and some early extension, causing him to come around the ball some. He brings to the plate a solid approach from both sides, with an advanced understanding of the strikezone for a high school player. Though he won the 2010 Aflac All-America Baseball Classic Homerun Derby, Lindor does not project to big power as a pro. More realistically, he could grow into low-teen homerun pop to go with a .100 or so ISO. He is not a burner, but runs well enough to earn his share of infield hits and is a savvy baserunner capable of grabbing an extra base whenever available. His bat may not grow into a true impact tool, but he should provide enough value to find a place somewhere near the top of a Major League order, most likely in the #1 or #2 slot.

Discussion:

There is an awful lot to like about Lindor, and very little lacking in his overall game. In addition to being a slick-fielding standout at an prime defensive position, Lindor shows aptitude at the plate as a switch-hitter, as well as a speed/smarts combo that allows him consistently to get good jumps on batted balls and on steal attempts. While some question his size, it is important to note there is clearly room in his frame to add strength. Further, he may end-up the youngest prospect drafted this June, as he does not turn 18 until November -- there is plenty of time and opportunity for him to grow into a legit pro body. In addition to his physical tools, Lindor is an incredible make-up kid, that stands-out on the field for his high energy, positive personality and natural leadership abilities. He is the type of the player you draft with no reservations as to his ability to adjust to the pro game and desire to make himself and his teammates better. Roll that into a middle-infielder's body and skill set and you have a no-doubt-top-of-the-1st-Round talent.

Projected position: Above-average shortstop on 1st division team

Suggested draft slot: Early-1st Round

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