Southern League Scouting Report: Tennessee Smokies vs. Chattanooga Lookouts – 4/7/2011

Brett Jackson, Center Field, #2 Prospect in Cubs Organization

Glows:

• Brett took part in the 2010 All Star Futures Game and Pan American Qualifying Tournament.

• Jackson appears to be above average in the following areas: patience/pitch selection (2 walks), contact (hit in run scoring situation), base running/speed (hit triple, went first to third on single), and defense/arm strength.

Grows:

• Brett has the skills to be an effective leadoff hitter, but he struck out 126 times in 2010.

• Jackson seems to be more advanced than most of his teammates and competitors. He probably won’t spend more than half a season at the double-a level.

Josh Vitters, Third Base, #5 Prospect in Cubs Organization

Glows:

• Josh suffered a season ending injury (broken middle finger) in July of 2010. The finger didn’t seem to negatively impact his offensive or defensive performance.

• Vitters had three hits in his first five at bats. He successfully executed a hit and run play in one of these at bats.

• Josh made an excellent diving play on a ball to his left. He threw the runner out from one knee.

Grows:

• Vitters has always been a below average defender. He made 18 errors in 79 games last season. Defense was his primary focus during the Arizona Fall League and spring training.

• Josh was aggressive early in the count. He’s only walked 33 times over the last two seasons.

Lookouts

Chris Withrow – Starting Pitcher, #4 Prospect in Dodgers Organization

Glows:

• Chris implemented a new delivery in the off-season. He also added a slider to his pitch assortment.

• Withrow had a lively fastball. He touched 96 miles per hour on multiple occasions.

Grows:

• Chris consistently missed away to left-handed batters and inside to right-handed batters. He wasn’t using his slider very frequently.

• Hitters appeared to be keying on Withrow’s fastball. He may have been tipping this pitch or throwing it in predictable/hitter friendly counts.

Kyle Russell – Right Fielder, #15 Prospect in Dodgers Organization

Glows:

• Kyle appears to have above average power potential. He hit 26 home runs in 2010.

• Russell appears to have above average arm strength. He’s had 23 outfield assists over the last three seasons.

Grows:

• Kyle lacked patience in his at-bats (struck out twice). He was aggressive early in the count and failed to drive in/mover over runners. In 2010, he struck out 177 times.

• Russell has committed 14 errors over the last three seasons. He seems best suited for one of the corner outfield positions.