Oakland Athletics’ Top Four Draft Picks Challenge Current Prospects
Jun 20, 2014; Omaha, NE, USA; Mississippi Rebels and the Virginia Cavaliers game twelve of the 2014 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha was suspended due to lightning and severe weather. The game has been rescheduled for Saturday. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Fourth Round: Skye Bolt
Scouts have no doubt about Skye Bolt’s ability as an outfielder. He shows lightning quick reflexes when reacting to fly balls, and his shocking arm strength can handily discharge balls back into the infield. Of all of his skills, fielding is the one that is closest to being Major League ready.
MLB Prospect Pipeline added that his electric first couple months of college ball in 2013 (wherein he hit .392/.509./.648) were grounded after a foot injury. He has had a difficult time replicating that production ever since. He also hit from both sides of the plate throughout college, although he is notably better at hitting from the left side. The A’s are going to keep an eye on his foot as he progresses through the system, and possibly make him an exclusively left-handed hitter.
These changes to his game might be the jolt that he needs to be a Major Leaguer.
The baseball world wonders what happened to that flash of offensive brilliance, which is what makes Bolt such an intriguing prospect. He is 21, so his estimated time of arrival in the Majors depends entirely on how well he can put a charge into pitches in the minors. If he finds his stride again, people will wonder how on Earth he was picked as late as 128th overall.
Bolt absolutely wins Oakland’s “Best Name In The 2015 Draft” award, though.
Next: Round Three: Dakota Chalmers