Someone please explain to me...

[Stotle]

I don't think it is as easy as you think to fix a batters swing.

I not really compairing them really. I was just pointing out that Beckham is a huge kid for highschool standards and doesn't show that much power (relative since this is coming from a kid that never hit a HR in HS). To me that is a red flag. With someone of Smoak talent possible available I think it would be insane to pass up. I would prefer the O's go to the safer pick and get Smoak.

I'm pretty comfortable with what it takes to work on a swing, especially the 17-19 year old range.

Beckham isn't showing power for two reasons:

1) his weight starts too heavily on his back foot and when he transfers in his stride he throws too much forward too quickly. As a result, his hips fly open too early and he hits off his front foot.

2) His game is not a power game right now. He has been content with spraying line drives (which he has easily accomplished with quick hands and superior hand-eye coordination) and running like mad once he gets on base. It's incredibly effective at the HS level.

Despite his mechanical shortcomings, he has showed the potential for plus-power. He is a coachable athlete with a sky-high tool set. Three years of professional coaching and development, I believe, could do wonders.

I have no problem with anyone who wants Smoak -- he just shouldn't be used as an means to point out perceived shortcomings in T-Bex. The kid can play and, while he may be a greater risk I wouldn't say it's by a huge margin.

Thanks for the interesting discussion.

[TyCobb]

Oh I am not comparing Smoak to Beckham at all. I understand there is a huge different at ages.

You are probably right about his Beckham's problems. I just don't feel they can be corrected as quickly as saying "Do this, Don't do this". There for I don't want to take the risk of drafting Beckham with Smoak there.

[Stotle]

Oh I am not comparing Smoak to Beckham at all. I understand there is a huge different at ages.

You are probably right about his Beckham's problems. I just don't feel they can be corrected as quickly as saying "Do this, Don't do this". There for I don't want to take the risk of drafting Beckham with Smoak there.

Understood. I have some strong feelings about draftees and I realize it isn't always the popular view. I usually take the tool set and skill position over the surer thing. It's not right or wrong, just my preference.

[wayne25]

My understanding is that his fastball plays up because of control and top-shelf offspeed stuff. Sounds to me like his upside is Bedard lite and his downside is generic Major league lefty, which sounds pretty good to me.

Would I rather have the big upside tools guy like Beckham or Hosmer or the sure thing college slugger? Sure, but it's not like Matusz is a reach at #4.

gENERIC major league lefty "sounds pretty goood to you?". AT #4 OVERALL.