Scouting Report: Austin Wates, OF, Virginia Tech (2010 Draft)
By The Baseball Beginnings Guy
January 30, 2010
Austin Wates was one of the better prospects in the Cape Cod League last summer. The Virginia Tech outfielder is going to have several advantages working for him as he moves into professional baseball following the 2010 draft. Wates is going to be a better athlete than many players he will share the field with. This will translate in professional baseball into the ability to play all three outfield positions and run and defend well enough to cover them all. Offensively, Wates has a nimble frame with physical projection and the hands that should allow him to spray the gaps. As he ages, he should mature and develop modest power.
Austin Wates
6-1, 183
R-R
Virgina Tech, OF
Games Seen: 1, Innings: 9
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Average height, lean, long and loose athletic frame, loose hands and wrists, much physical projection in front of him.
STRENGTHS: Above-average speed, good first step out of the box, graceful and controlled runner. Good hands, line-drive approach, modest power, should have gap-to-gap ability. Average arm, good accuracy. Rangy defensive outfielder, can play all three OF positions.
WEAKNESSES: Doesn’t have one glaring tool weakness.
SUMMARY: Excellent all-around OF prospect with above-average speed, athleticism and hitting ability. Lack of well above-average power shouldn’t dissuade a team from giving him an opportunity.
GRADES (Present/Future):
Hit 40/60
Power 35/60
Run 70/70
Arm 50/50
Field 50/60
Overall Future Potential: 60
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