Since we're talking about Mattingly, I'll post up his Handbook profile. #28 Preston Mattingly
2B/SS/OF
B-R
T-R
6-3 205 Quote: |
Originally Posted by Baseball America Despite his bloodlines, Mattingly wasn't a consensus baseball prospect entering his senior high school season in 2006. The son of new Dodgers hitting coach Don Mattingly, Preston was a three-sport star and leaning towards playing basketball in in college before Los Angeles popped him with the 31st overall pick and signed him for $1 million.
His athleticism hasn't translated on the baseball diamond through 590 professional at-bats, and he batted .157/.204/.196 after the all-star break in a forgettable first full season in 2007. Mattingly's approach at the plate is raw, as he swings and misses, expands the strike zone and fails to make consistent hard contact. He flashes plus bat speed and raw power in batting practice, and Los Angeles hopes his athleticism will help him make adjustments as he matures.
Mattingly lacks the range and arm for the left side of the infield, and though he's a solid-average runner underway, his best position might be left field. He held his own at second base last season after playing shortstop as an amatuer. He likely will repeat low Class A in 2008 and move up as soon as he shows improvement. | How the hell did this guy get ranked?
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"11:19 -- You're not gonna believe this, but J.D. Drew took a called third strike to end the inning.
(Note: Dodgers, Braves and Cardinals fans everywhere are nodding and saying, "Yup ... been there, done that.") |