Oscar Tejeda Scouting Report (2009)
One of the more frustrating prospects in terms of tools meeting production in the South Atlantic League, Oscar Tejeda's prospect status seems stuck in neutral. On tools alone, Tejeda is one of the top twelve prospects I saw in the "Sally" this season. However, his game is still so raw at this point, it's difficult to project if or when his all-around game will take off; especially when his numbers remained stagnant for two consecutive seasons.
Strengths: Having just turned twenty, Tejeda is still relatively young for the South Atlantic League even after almost 750 at bats at the level. With the classic lean and long shortstop build, he is not at risk of outgrowing the position. In watching him turn a tremendous double play in which he leaped over a sliding Josh Satin and threw a laser to first base, Tejeda showed enough for me to believe he can stick.. Throughout the series, his agility was on display as his smooth movements and arm action allowed him to make all of the plays at shortstop. With an athletic stance which included a semi-deep crouch, Tejeda showed enough bat speed to lace a line drive to the second baseman off of 94 MPH heat.
Weaknesses: Tejeda has stagnated in terms of baseball development and put up even lesser numbers his second time through the "Sally". His mechanics are a mess and his "Sammy Sosa" double toe tap simply does not work for a bottom of the order bat. Tejeda also features plenty of excess bat wagging and body movement which negatively effects his timing. Add to this a tendency to pull off the baseball and a propensity to look lost at the plate and he is in need of a complete overhaul mechanically. With his build and long strides on the base paths, Tejeda looks like he should be more of a base stealer. However, his speed is enough of an issue for some to question whether or not he has the lateral movement and range to stay at shortstop. Additionally, his lack of growth puts his overall makeup in question in terms of being "coachable".
Outlook: After two years in the South Atlantic League, Tejeda still does not seem ready to move to high-A from an offensive standpoint. It is difficult to see him progressing to the highest level when he is already struggling to make adjustments in the lower levels of minor league baseball. Maybe he needs a push to Salem to shock his system, but the promotion will not have been earned. Tejeda has the tools to regain his prospect status, but needs to change his approach drastically and become more open to making adjustments.
Strengths: Having just turned twenty, Tejeda is still relatively young for the South Atlantic League even after almost 750 at bats at the level. With the classic lean and long shortstop build, he is not at risk of outgrowing the position. In watching him turn a tremendous double play in which he leaped over a sliding Josh Satin and threw a laser to first base, Tejeda showed enough for me to believe he can stick.. Throughout the series, his agility was on display as his smooth movements and arm action allowed him to make all of the plays at shortstop. With an athletic stance which included a semi-deep crouch, Tejeda showed enough bat speed to lace a line drive to the second baseman off of 94 MPH heat.
Weaknesses: Tejeda has stagnated in terms of baseball development and put up even lesser numbers his second time through the "Sally". His mechanics are a mess and his "Sammy Sosa" double toe tap simply does not work for a bottom of the order bat. Tejeda also features plenty of excess bat wagging and body movement which negatively effects his timing. Add to this a tendency to pull off the baseball and a propensity to look lost at the plate and he is in need of a complete overhaul mechanically. With his build and long strides on the base paths, Tejeda looks like he should be more of a base stealer. However, his speed is enough of an issue for some to question whether or not he has the lateral movement and range to stay at shortstop. Additionally, his lack of growth puts his overall makeup in question in terms of being "coachable".
Outlook: After two years in the South Atlantic League, Tejeda still does not seem ready to move to high-A from an offensive standpoint. It is difficult to see him progressing to the highest level when he is already struggling to make adjustments in the lower levels of minor league baseball. Maybe he needs a push to Salem to shock his system, but the promotion will not have been earned. Tejeda has the tools to regain his prospect status, but needs to change his approach drastically and become more open to making adjustments.
