Ryan Dent Scouting Report (2009)
Ryan Dent spent his age-20 season in the South Atlantic League after being the 60th overall pick in the 2007 draft. On a loaded Greenville infield, Dent played second base and shortstop while chipping in a .252/.350/.391 line at the level. He spent the final week and change in high-A as a preview of 2010.
Strengths: Dent has a fantastic build including a strong base and broad shoulders. He had the look of a major leaguer and was arguably the most developed player on the field from a physical standpoint. Setting up in a moderate crouch with his weight slightly on his back leg, his quick wrists allowed him to turn on inside fastballs with ease. In game action, he took an Elvin Ramirez fastball on the inner half and laced a double down the left field line. On defense, he looked more comfortable at second base than shortstop and wound up earning the Red Sox Minor League Defensive Player of the Year award for the 2009 season. He did not have much opportunity to show off his speed during the series, but his stolen base rates have been stellar throughout his minor league career and his athleticism should allow him to continue stealing double-digit bases for years to come.
Weaknesses: Dent's physique is impressive, but leaves little room for physical projection. At the plate, he struck out with two out and runners on second and third base in a key situation At bats like this occurred throughout the series as the hard double he hit was the only real positive from an offensive standpoint. Dent repeatedly flailed wildly at breaking pitches and rarely worked a count to his favor. His 30%+ strikeout percentage is just not going to cut it at higher levels as he projects average power at best. At shortstop, Dent made two errors on ground balls he attempted to play from his heels. This sloppy play followed him across the diamond to second base as he continued to sit back on ground balls leading to another miscue. I was surprised to later learn he won an award for stellar defensive play as he looked lost fundamentally.
As 2010 rapidly approaches, the Red Sox organization hopes things come together for Dent in Salem. At 21, he is at an age where his tools need to start turning into consistent production. He is already doing some things well (BB%, SB%, defensive reputation), but as a first round pick who signed for close to $600,000, the Red Sox were certainly hoping for more of a return on investment at this point. A poor 2010 performance might move him from a prospect with a chance to break out to just another prospect flop.
Strengths: Dent has a fantastic build including a strong base and broad shoulders. He had the look of a major leaguer and was arguably the most developed player on the field from a physical standpoint. Setting up in a moderate crouch with his weight slightly on his back leg, his quick wrists allowed him to turn on inside fastballs with ease. In game action, he took an Elvin Ramirez fastball on the inner half and laced a double down the left field line. On defense, he looked more comfortable at second base than shortstop and wound up earning the Red Sox Minor League Defensive Player of the Year award for the 2009 season. He did not have much opportunity to show off his speed during the series, but his stolen base rates have been stellar throughout his minor league career and his athleticism should allow him to continue stealing double-digit bases for years to come.
Weaknesses: Dent's physique is impressive, but leaves little room for physical projection. At the plate, he struck out with two out and runners on second and third base in a key situation At bats like this occurred throughout the series as the hard double he hit was the only real positive from an offensive standpoint. Dent repeatedly flailed wildly at breaking pitches and rarely worked a count to his favor. His 30%+ strikeout percentage is just not going to cut it at higher levels as he projects average power at best. At shortstop, Dent made two errors on ground balls he attempted to play from his heels. This sloppy play followed him across the diamond to second base as he continued to sit back on ground balls leading to another miscue. I was surprised to later learn he won an award for stellar defensive play as he looked lost fundamentally.
As 2010 rapidly approaches, the Red Sox organization hopes things come together for Dent in Salem. At 21, he is at an age where his tools need to start turning into consistent production. He is already doing some things well (BB%, SB%, defensive reputation), but as a first round pick who signed for close to $600,000, the Red Sox were certainly hoping for more of a return on investment at this point. A poor 2010 performance might move him from a prospect with a chance to break out to just another prospect flop.
