Cedric Mullins, Emerging Prospect?

[Slade-OH]

Mullins is off a the best start of all the hitters in the Aberdeen lineup. He's posted a .345/.409/.452 line in 90 PA with a HR, 6 doubles, 6 walks, 10 strikeouts, and is 7-for-7 in stolen bases. As a refresher, he was the Orioles 13th round pick this year out of Campbell. He doesn't turn 21 until October. He's 5'8", 175 pounds and has flashed some impressive tools to those that have seen him, especially for someone that lasted until the 13th round.

Rob Ozga of Baseball Draft Report had some interesting things to say about him earlier this year..."JR OF Cedric Mullins (Campbell) is a highly speculative pick on my end. I’ve never seen him, though, as I’ve said many times before, I’m not sure how much utility such a viewing would even bring. What I’ve heard about him, however, has been thrilling. Mullins has the chance to show premium tools as a defender in center (both range and arm) and on the base paths (plus speed and a great feel for the art of base stealing led to him going 55/59 on his career junior college attempts) this spring. He also brings a patient approach to hitting, both in how he happily accepts free passes (a walk doesn’t feel like such a passive thing when you know you’re taking second and maybe third once you are there) and works pitchers until he’s in counts favorable for fastball hunting. The only tool he ranks below Washington in is raw power, but, as covered above, the emphasis on the raw cannot be taken lightly. In terms of current functional power, the battle tightens quite a bit. It’s an imperfect comp for an imperfect world, but I can see Mullins approximating the value of another former junior college guy like Mallex Smith, though with a bit more pop and a fraction less speed."

[Slade-OH]

<iframe src='http://www.milb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=216779483&width=400&height=224&property=milb' width='400' height='224' frameborder='0'>Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe>

[Slade-OH]

<iframe src='http://www.milb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=181968383&width=400&height=224&property=milb' width='400' height='224' frameborder='0'>Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe>

[Frobby]

It's nice to see one of our draftees getting off to a good start. He certainly has my attention.

[glenn__davis]

That's quite glowing commentary above for a guy who would become a 13th round pick.

He's impressing so far for sure, I don't remember the last time a position player came out of the gates quite as strong as he has. Would be nice to see his teammate Mr. Stewart pick it up a bit

[Frobby]

That's quite glowing commentary above for a guy who would become a 13th round pick.

He's impressing so far for sure, I don't remember the last time a position player came out of the gates quite as strong as he has.

In 2006, Billy Rowell had a .929 OPS at Bluefield, and got promoted to Aberdeen and posted an .876 OPS there. That seemed pretty studly at the time for a 17-year old kid. Manny had an .855 OPS in 7 games at Aberdeen in 2010. In 2013, Chance Sisco posted a .938 OPS in the GCL immediately after being drafted. Obviously, those guys were drafted a lot higher than Mullins.

OK, here's an obscure one for you: in 2006, Chris Vinyard, 38th round pick in the 2005 draft (in the now-defunct category of "draft and follow") posted an .855 OPS at Aberdeen in his pro debut at the age of 20.

[scarey1999]

Posted this in the minors thread, given the SSS, maybe Chone Figgins V2?

[Ruzious]

Mullins is off a the best start of all the hitters in the Aberdeen lineup. He's posted a .345/.409/.452 line in 90 PA with a HR, 6 doubles, 6 walks, 10 strikeouts, and is 7-for-7 in stolen bases. As a refresher, he was the Orioles 13th round pick this year out of Campbell. He doesn't turn 21 until October. He's 5'8", 175 pounds and has flashed some impressive tools to those that have seen him, especially for someone that lasted until the 13th round.

Rob Ozga of Baseball Draft Report had some interesting things to say about him earlier this year..."JR OF Cedric Mullins (Campbell) is a highly speculative pick on my end. I?ve never seen him, though, as I?ve said many times before, I?m not sure how much utility such a viewing would even bring. What I?ve heard about him, however, has been thrilling. Mullins has the chance to show premium tools as a defender in center (both range and arm) and on the base paths (plus speed and a great feel for the art of base stealing led to him going 55/59 on his career junior college attempts) this spring. He also brings a patient approach to hitting, both in how he happily accepts free passes (a walk doesn?t feel like such a passive thing when you know you?re taking second and maybe third once you are there) and works pitchers until he?s in counts favorable for fastball hunting. The only tool he ranks below Washington in is raw power, but, as covered above, the emphasis on the raw cannot be taken lightly. In terms of current functional power, the battle tightens quite a bit. It?s an imperfect comp for an imperfect world, but I can see Mullins approximating the value of another former junior college guy like Mallex Smith, though with a bit more pop and a fraction less speed."

Being a Braves fan (2nd to O's), I've followed Mallex Smith - who they traded for in the offseason. He's been absurdly underrated and is a terrific prospect. I would gladly take off a little of his phenominal speed in exchange for more pop - so that's great to hear about Mullins. Btw, I thought he spelled it Mullens, but I could be wrong.

[glenn__davis]

In 2006, Billy Rowell had a .929 OPS at Bluefield, and got promoted to Aberdeen and posted an .876 OPS there. That seemed pretty studly at the time for a 17-year old kid. Manny had an .855 OPS in 7 games at Aberdeen in 2010. In 2013, Chance Sisco posted a .938 OPS in the GCL immediately after being drafted. Obviously, those guys were drafted a lot higher than Mullins.

OK, here's an obscure one for you: in 2006, Chris Vinyard, 38th round pick in the 2005 draft (in the now-defunct category of "draft and follow") posted an .855 OPS at Aberdeen in his pro debut at the age of 20.

Wow, nice pull on Chris Vinyard. I remember him. IIRC he was one of those 1B/DH/No real position kind of guys. Mullins seems to be more of an athlete who can actually play the field.

Also, I had no idea Rowell had put up such good numbers so early. What the heck happened to him?

[Thats Baseball]

I am still trying to figure out how Mullins was available for so long. Did some digging and went further back. Kid played with and against first rounders in High school. Played with Lucas Sims. Played against Josh Hart, Austin Meadows, Clint Frazier and Matt Olson. Hit high 400's in HS. Somebody slept on this one.

[Slade-OH]

I am still trying to figure out how Mullins was available for so long. Did some digging and went further back. Kid played with and against first rounders in High school. Played with Lucas Sims. Played against Josh Hart, Austin Meadows, Clint Frazier and Matt Olson. Hit high 400's in HS. Somebody slept on this one.

Taking a *wild* guess here, his size probably something to do with it. Scouts also aren't lining up to watch players from Campbell. I believe he's the highest drafted player from Campbell since 2002.

[Thats Baseball]

Mullins seems to be coming back around after that slump. I see he is hitting over .300 in the last 10 games.

[weams]

Taking a *wild* guess here, his size probably something to do with it. Scouts also aren't lining up to watch players from Campbell. I believe he's the highest drafted player from Campbell since 2002.

Makes good sense.

[Thats Baseball]

Be interesting to see where he goes next year. They seem to like him.

[sportsfan8703]

He is definitely a good under dog story. I really like watching the guy play in person. He's fast and plays a really good CF. He's just going to have to overcome the fact that he's probably only 5'2", 5'3". He's listed at 5'8". In that video you can see the wall by the on deck circle. That wall comes up to his batting helmet.