Joe Panik Scouting Report (2011)
With a .391/.518/.536 triple slash line at the time of this report, Joe Panik has solidified himself as one of the first college shortstops off the draft board this June. In February, Panik and St. John's visited Georgia Tech and I was in attendance for his Saturday start versus top lefty Jed Bradley. And while Panik did not have a hit against the surefire first round pick, he hung pretty tough which left an positive impression overall.
He might be able to play some shortstop in a pinch, but for me, big league shortstops need to finish plays deep in the hole and Panik did not show that ability. However, his skill set would make him an above average to plus defensive second baseman with some speed and on base skills - Definitely a valuable commodity.
- Compact build; Looked closer to 6-foot than the 6-2 he is listed as
- Well developed through hips and shoulders; Room for additional growth?
- Above average speed; Pulled multiple 4.15 times from home-to-first
- Short, compact stroke; Drops bat head on the baseball
- Gap hitter; Present swing mechanics tailor-made for spraying line drives
- Patient hitter; Took a number of borderline pitches
- Questionable power projection; Should push double-digits, but not much more
- Struggled some L vs. L against Bradley, but who wouldn't?
- Made a tremendous backhand play at SS showing very good range
- Throw from deep in the hole showed lack of arm strength for the position
- Project a shift to 2B as a professional
He might be able to play some shortstop in a pinch, but for me, big league shortstops need to finish plays deep in the hole and Panik did not show that ability. However, his skill set would make him an above average to plus defensive second baseman with some speed and on base skills - Definitely a valuable commodity.
