Written by Greg Fertel
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14 January 2008
- Age: 22
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 215 lbs
- Position: 3rd Base
- Bats: Switch
Scouting Report: The big news about Suttle is that he was called one of the top 'pure hitters - scout speak for hitting for average, although I have no idea how hitting home runs makes you 'less pure' - by BA. That said, BA also points out that he had a fatally unorthodox swing in college, that the Yankees recognized quickly and dramatically corrected. I don't think that I'm the only person who saw the immediate contradiction here: the guy with BA's top hitting tool in the draft had a terrible swing. Here is what we know for certain about Suttle: he's a solid hitter in all aspects of the game, with power, discipline, and the ability to hit for average. On defense, reports are mixed, but he should stick at 3rd.
History: Suttle spent two years with the offensive powerhouse team at the University of Texas. After a solid freshman season (.301/.366/.429), Suttle blossomed as a Sophomore, hitting .359/.450/.603 with 37 walks and 24 strikeouts to go along with 12 home runs in 63 games. The Yankees picked him up as a draft-eligible Sophomore in the 4th round and handed him seven figures.
This Season: He signed too late to play in more than 3 GCL games. The Yankees sent him to the Hawaiian league, and the results were not pretty. He hit .100/.250/.175 in 80 at bats.
Outlook and Movement: With just two college seasons under his belt, and a poor HWB season (estimated at roughly A+ level), don't expect rapid movement from Suttle. Brandon Laird is likely to take the 3rd base slot in Charleston, so I would expect Suttle to start in Extended Spring Training. With a crowded infield situation in the low minors, he's in no position to follow the typical college route. I'd expect him to spend his year at short-season Staten Island. The Yankees won't try and change his position any time soon, but they'll have to think long term about teaching Suttle a position not occupied for 10 years by Alex Rodriguez.
Ranking: I'd really like Eric to chime in with his opinion of Suttle, because I think we have significant differences. I ranked him at #27, while Eric had him at #12. My take: Suttle certainly has potential, but nothing really stands out to you. Now above-average hitting tools across the board are nothing to scoff at (he could easily become Garret Atkins), but I think that too much emphasis is being placed on Suttle's fantastic year at Texas. That entire Texas team hit like crazy, and Suttle was well-protected in the lineup. I want to see Suttle hit well with a wooden bat before I put my faith in him.
Next: Kevin Whelan
