39.17 A Post-Bobby Lynch Jackrabbits Future #10 Robert Menzies

[crobillard]

I am low key really excited to see Robert Menzies develop. I love these types of players. Defensive geniuses who can slap the ball around a little bit. He'll strike out a ton at the plate, but Menzies has a little bit of a bat and bumped in a couple key areas since he was drafted. His defense allows him to play SS or even CF. He's going to be a beast of a utility player for us and by the time he's in the bigs he might be able to play any position on the diamond aside from the one on the mound and at home.

He was drafted with the 23rd pick in the second round. At the time, I thought I probably drafted him too early, but I found out later that other teams had their eye on him as well. He was rated with 6/5/4/5/3 potentials at the draft, but the big draw was his defensive capabilities at 10/11/11 in the outfield and 10/9/7/10 in the infield. He has 8 running speed, 7 stealing ability, 10 sacrifice bunting and 9 bunting for a hit, so he could be helpful on the base paths too.

In his three years playing in high school, he never missed a game and batted only .259/.349/.389 in 491 at bats with 17 doubles, a triple, 15 homeruns and a whopping 198 strikeouts while stealing 19 bases on 25 attempts. He has a combined +9.9 ZR in center from his three years and had 21 assists with a 2.79 RF with only one error.

He had a nine rating in CF when he was drafted so halfway through his Rookie league season he was moved to SS. He's developed into a 5 rating at short in only 27 games at the position. He had a -2.2 ZR and an error, but that's to be expected from him since he's learning the position. His bat was slightly better than expected in his 62 games played this year in Rookie league. He batted .224/.278/.498 in 223 at bats with eight doubles, a triple and 17 homeruns for a 2.2 WAR. The most encouraging thing for Menzies though is that he bumped his contact and his eye this year. He's now at 7/5/4/6/3 for potentials. If he continues to rise he could turn out to be a really fantastic pick and possibly even challenge for a starting job.

As of right now, I think of Menzies as more a utility player that may get some starts through the season if I'm looking for a defensive boost somewhere. I'm not sure his bat will be good enough to knock an outfielder or shortstop out of the starting lineup. If he progresses though, anything could happen.

[RonCo]

One thing that's nice about him is that he's a left handed bat who does not hang deep splits.

[crobillard]

One thing that's nice about him is that he's a left handed bat who does not hang deep splits.

Great point. I've seen players develop those splits later through their development, but I'm encouraged by his bumps in potentials.

[Fat Nige]

I’m glad to see my alter-ego custom ammie develop too. He’s named after my middle name and my step father’s surname ( not that I ever got on with him lol, just liked the name). He’s LH because I am you make sure he’s a star

[crobillard]

I’m glad to see my alter-ego custom ammie develop too. He’s named after my middle name and my step father’s surname ( not that I ever got on with him lol, just liked the name). He’s LH because I am you make sure he’s a star

Oh that's awesome man. I love the dude, but when you get into the BBA, I'll deal him to you for something pretty.

[Fat Nige]

Deal lol, I’m not much of a trader but we’ll work out a good ‘un lol

And I’ll thank you to put “back” into the BBA thank you I’ve already got an absolute ton of BBA games managed lol

[Fat Nige]

Most of them very badly

[crobillard]

Deal lol, I’m not much of a trader but we’ll work out a good ‘un lol

And I’ll thank you to put “back” into the BBA thank you I’ve already got an absolute ton of BBA games managed lol

Oh yeah totally. I remember you from back in my Halifax days. I didn't omit the 'back' on purpose.

[Fat Nige]

I was only joshing lol