2021 Orioles #6 Prospect - Gunnar Henderson - SS/3B

[Tony-OH]

https://www.orioleshangout.com/2021/10/31/6-gunnar-henderson/

[HowAboutThat]

Hmmmm this reads a bit Like “damning with faint praise.”

[wildcard]

Nice Fair writeup.   He is 20 playing against older, more experienced players.  

[LookinUp]

Yep. I think it's a very fair write-up. I think they'll have to shorten his swing over time. My guess is that's a priority this offseason. It will have to be, because the pitching isn't getting any easier.

[waroriole]

9 hours ago, Philip said:

Hmmmm this reads a bit Like “damning with faint praise.”

I think it’s just an honest evaluation. He has things he has to improve. Can’t be all rainbows and sunshine. 

[sportsfan8703]

He’s 20, played his first full professional season, saw a level of LHP he’s never seen before, and bounced between two positions. He’s got plenty of time to work on his defense. He’s not going to be the refined NCAA type defenders that Grenier and Westburg are. But his ceiling is AS level. He’ll be just fine. 

[NCRaven]

Overall, I think this was generally a very positive review.  The best news is that in many previous years, Gunnar would have been our #1 or #2 (at worst) prospect.  I'm excited to have him in our system.  And, the next group in that #7-#12 range will likely be a very interesting group, as well.   

On a semi-related note, it's a real shame that some of the pitching (i.e., Akin, A. Wells, Kremer, Baumann, and Lowther) didn't take a step forward this season and that Zimmerman was injured.  If just one of those guys could become a solid #4 or #5, to go with Means, Rodriguez and a major league free agent starter (not another project signed to a minor league deal - although I'm sure we'll sign one or two of those, as well), it would be big for next year.

[Frobby]

Nice write up.   One thing I’m curious about that is not discussed is how he handles offspeed stuff.   Would love any opinions about that.  

[Tony-OH]

59 minutes ago, Frobby said:

Nice write up.   One thing I’m curious about that is not discussed is how he handles offspeed stuff.   Would love any opinions about that.  

He can struggle at times with offspeed and especially left-handed breaking balls. I haven't seen it to the point that I worry that it's a concern, but we'll have a better idea after a full season at Double-A next year.

[Yossarian]

So the future is either Henderson or Westburg at SS --- and, Henderson or Mayo at 3B?  That's 3 guys for 2 spots.

[Can_of_corn]

3 minutes ago, Yossarian said:

So the future is either Henderson or Westburg at SS --- and, Henderson or Mayo at 3B?  That's 3 guys for 2 spots.

I'm not betting on a player with a current 30 grade defense sticking at short in the majors.

[ChuckS]

7 minutes ago, Yossarian said:

So the future is either Henderson or Westburg at SS --- and, Henderson or Mayo at 3B?  That's 3 guys for 2 spots.

Attrition happens as guys move up the ladder and into the big leagues.  If we end up with two above average, everyday MLB infielders out of those three you call it a win.  All three meeting that criteria is unlikely. 

[Yossarian]

I suspect that our SS of the future will come out of the DR.  I have no reason to think that, I just have a premonition.

[Can_of_corn]

1 minute ago, Yossarian said:

I suspect that our SS of the future will come out of the DR.  I have no reason to think that, I just have a premonition.

Rule V acquisition?

[HowAboutThat]

6 hours ago, waroriole said:

I think it’s just an honest evaluation. He has things he has to improve. Can’t be all rainbows and sunshine. 

Oh I don’t think it’s dishonest, it’s just that the strike rate worries me, because hitting is not getting any easier. If his eye doesn’t improve, The strike rate is going to continue to deteriorate as he faces better pitching