Michael Conforto is finally playing for Brooklyn and there is certainly a lot to like about what we’ve seen so far. What struck me about seeing him is how unlike the scouting report I’d read, he played.
Conforto was pegged to be a power hitting outfielder who was good with the bat but in the mold of a power hitter. That means his batting average would be fairly low and that he’d strike out frequently. While I’m sure that is part of what he will become as he develops I was very happy with the dramatically different hitter I saw on Thursday night.
In his first at bat he laced a line drive to left field that showed pitch recognition in that he hit with the pitch and took the ball the other way with authority. In his next at bat he did it again except the third baseman for Vermont made a tremendous diving play. Finally the Lake Monsters walked Jhoan Urena to get to him and he managed a walk himself.
In short, Conforto showed me a much more complete hitter than his draft profile. It won’t necessarily continue forever, but it shows a nice advanced part of his game.
He’s batting over .400 in his first few games of professional baseball. I’ve not been able to see him play, so your article is a welcome bit of insight.
thanks.
He’s been “cold” for a month, between his college season and signing his deal. The fact that he’s off to a fast start tells you that He’s too big for the level off Competition. It’s probably impossible to measure much else until he’s sufficiently ready to go to a more appropriate level. A few more games of Mashing, and he should be sent to either St. Lucie or Bingo.
care to offer thoughts on Urena?
Nice reporting. I’m quite excited to see more numbers from him as the season moves on, and next year.