Chris Dominguez Scouting Report (2010)
To my surprise, Chris Dominguez was named one of the top 25 prospects in the South Atlantic league after the 2010 season came to a close. Perplexed, I wondered how a a 23-year old could garner such attention based on a good, but not great season in a league where he was older than the competition and posted a line of .272/.326/.456.
And while Dominguez is an imposing physical presence with power to spare, major holes in his approach make for serious red flags considering his advanced age and extensive college experience.
At 19, I wouldn't be concerned about his progress or lack thereof yet. But at 24, Dominguez needs to mash his way through High-A and finish the season doing the like in Double-A for me to really take him seriously as a prospect. Unfortunately for Dominguez, I suspect he will hit a buzzsaw in Bridgeport against pitchers who can spin a breaking pitch with any consistency whatsoever, dooming him to organizational status.
And while Dominguez is an imposing physical presence with power to spare, major holes in his approach make for serious red flags considering his advanced age and extensive college experience.
- Man among boys physically compared to other players at the level
- Listed height/weight of 6-foot-3, 215 lbs. looked on the light side; Best estimate is 230 lbs. or so
- Solid athleticism for his size; Decent downhill speed once he gets moving
- Quiet load in the batter's box; Mechanics appear repeatable
- Relatively short swing; Wrists lack explosiveness; Negatively affects bat whip through the zone
- Classic mistake hitter; Launched mammoth home run on 88 MPH belt high fastball
- Dead pull hitter; Tried to turn on both inside and outside pitches
- Significant problems catching up to 90+ MPH fastballs in the zone
- Significant problems adjusting to breaking pitches; Even below average breaking balls gave him fits
- Slow first step hurts Dominguez on defense
- Limited range; Booted a couple of routine ground balls late in the season
- Arm was quite strong; Throws prone to arm side run
- Stolen bases unlikely to be a part of his game as he continues up the ladder
At 19, I wouldn't be concerned about his progress or lack thereof yet. But at 24, Dominguez needs to mash his way through High-A and finish the season doing the like in Double-A for me to really take him seriously as a prospect. Unfortunately for Dominguez, I suspect he will hit a buzzsaw in Bridgeport against pitchers who can spin a breaking pitch with any consistency whatsoever, dooming him to organizational status.
