Mountcastle's Ceiling

[Bahama O's Fan]

I saw he had a good game in the fall league. What do you guys see as his realistic ceiling and when would you expect him on the 25 man?

[Frobby]

I’d expect Mountcastle to debut some time in 2019.    I think he’s a similar hitter to Mancini.

[Bahama O's Fan]

3B or SS?

[Frobby]

7 minutes ago, Bahama O's Fan said:

3B or SS?

Not SS.   We’ll see about 3B.

[Can_of_corn]

7 minutes ago, Bahama O's Fan said:

3B or SS?

Won't be SS.  Might be LF, or 2B.

 

[glenn__davis]

1 hour ago, Frobby said:

I’d expect Mountcastle to debut some time in 2019.    I think he’s a similar hitter to Mancini.

Higher ceiling than Mancini IMO, but lower floor at this point.

I could see Mountcastle ranging anywhere from perennial AS to a guy who struggles to stay on the field due to plate discipline.  I think the potential is there for him to be an elite power bat, but (Captain Obvious alert) it all will depend on how he develops.

[Ripken]

His bat is very loud.  His arm isn't very strong though.  Maybe he could play 2B with Manny to SS and Schoop to 3B.  

 

[NCRaven]

3 minutes ago, Ripken said:

His bat is very loud.  His arm isn't very strong though.  Maybe he could play 2B with Manny to SS and Schoop to 3B.  

 

Or is that Manny to the Yankees in one year and Schoop to the Rangers in two years?  :-(

[esmd]

I dunno about ceiling, but I expect him to be the Opening Day starter at 3B in 2019.

[JohnD]

Oh I hope not.

Can’t play defense.  Won’t take pitches.  Great bat potential.  Great bust potential too.

[Tx Oriole]

3 hours ago, Bahama O's Fan said:

3B or SS?

3rd base. Manny won't be in Baltimore 2019. I finally have come to accept that this silly FO will let Manny walk away instead of trading him. I just hope Mountcastle is the real deal.

[bpilktree]

His offense of ceiling would be the guy that currently plays 2nd base for us.   Has good hit tool, has solid power and nice frame and doesn't walk much and is aggressive at the plate.

[Redskins Rick]

I am in the minority, but look at it this way.

If they can keep Manny and Schoop.

If Mancini is not a one year wonder, and I dont think he is.

If Sisco develops into what they want him to be.

If Mountcastle plays a mean 3rd base for the Orioles in 2019.

If Beckham continues to provide what we saw from him.

If Hays can contribute at the big league level as a starting OF in 2019.

If Hunter Harvey is ready to SP in 2019, alongside of Bundy and Gausman, Could be a pretty solid trio.

Toss in some other youngsters in the system and 2019 might be as bad as the doomsayers are fearing.

At this point, just a whole lot of ifs and buts, but why not have hope?

[Luke-OH]

His ceiling with the bat is quite high.  The aggressiveness that him and Hays have shown is a product of the Orioles development system.  That’s the way they want them approaching their developmental at bats.  I think you’ll see the walk numbers tick up a little for both at the major league level.  

I think the ceiling for Mountcastle is Nolan Arenado numbers without the help of Coors Field.  Remember, that’s ceiling, not likely outcome. As far as the comparison to Mancini’s bat, Mountcastle has more bat speed, but less current power, although I think when he’s Mancini’s age he’ll have more power as well.  

The risks with Mountcastle are defense and pitch recognition.  I won’t rehash the defense conversation, but I’d say the odds are 40% 3B, 30% LF, 10% 1B, 20% 2B.  The pitch recognition isn’t unusual as a 20 year old in AA and the AFL and should improve with age.

[Frobby]

23 minutes ago, phillyOs119 said:

His ceiling with the bat is quite high.  The aggressiveness that him and Hays have shown is a product of the Orioles development system.  That’s the way they want them approaching their developmental at bats.  

What’s your opinion of that developmental philosophy?    It sounds stupid to me.    It’s tough to learn patience at the major league level when you’re being taught to be aggressive the whole time you’re progressing through the minors.