Scouting Report, Kolten Wong (2b/c, Univ. of Hawaii)

[Stotle]

I will be publishing reports here at OH, but Wong looks to be off the board before BAL picks in the 2nd and is not worth BAL's lone 1st Rd pick. For those interested, heck maybe he does fall to early-2nd Rd, here is the summary of the report and a link to the full write-up, which includes video of hitting and fielding:

Wong will show-up all over the place on the 30 MLB draft boards this June. His range and arm strength limit him to second base, and some consider him to be a hit tool and nothing more. This undersells the strides he has made in the infield (starting with extra work put in during the 2009 summer with the USA Collegiate National Team) as well as the quality of his base-running, which helps his average speed play-up a fair amount. Additionally, he shows a good feel for the game and an impressive demeanor on the field, both in-game and in-practice. Ideally, Wong projects to a solid #2 hitter on a first division team with a high contact rate, ability to drive the gaps and enough speed and smarts to grab an extra base when available. A drafting organization could shift him to catcher during fall instructs to take a quick look at a possible position shift -- if he is too far off, however, it is unlikely he will have his offensive progression slowed at the expense of trying to force him behind home.

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

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

http://diamondscapescouting.com/scoutingreports_2011_wongko.html

[Stotle]

If his arm strenght limits him to 2B, why is catcher even a possibility? Just asking.

Combo arm strength/range limits to 2B. Arm isn't great for catcher, but quick release can make up for average arm strength. Wouldn't be top tier catch-and-throw guy, but I could see a team looking at him to see if he could be a serviceable catcher with plus bat.

EDIT -- to be more precise, he can get solid carry on the ball when he's set, but the pure arm strength is less than most teams look for in a true shortstop.