Who's The Best Power Hitter In The Pirates' Minor-League System?

by Charlie Wilmoth on Jan 13, 2011 2:02 PM EST

I ask because Baseball America's recent assertion that it's Quincy Latimore seems to be raising some eyebrows.

Keep in mind that when BA says that Latimore is the Pirates' best minor league power hitter, it isn't necessarily saying that Latimore's a great prospect, only that in terms of tools, he's the best at hitting for power. BA has Justin Bencsko rated as the Pirates' fastest baserunner, but I seriously doubt anyone at BA thinks Bencsko is a great prospect.

Completely abstracted from any other consideration, Latimore has excellent power. He had 52 extra-base hits this year, 19 of them homers, which is excellent for a 21-year-old in Class A+. He also had 45 extra-base hits the previous year. Where Latimore gets in trouble is with his strike zone judgment. He has posted about four strikeouts for every walk in each of the past two years, which doesn't bode well, because while he clearly can hit for power, major league pitchers will easily be able to neutralize that skill unless he improves.

Brad Eldred (who BA rated as the top power hitter in the Pirates' minors in 2005) had an incredible ability to hit for power, but he couldn't do much with it because it was his only tool. It's too early to say that Latimore is as one-dimensional as Eldred was, but it's certainly a concern. That doesn't mean that BA got it wrong, in either case.

So: if Latimore isn't the best power hitter in the Pirates' system, in terms of tools, then who is? You could certainly make cases for several members of last year's West Virginia Power team. Jarek Cunningham clearly has terrific power - the ball jumps off his bat, and he had 56 extra-base hits last year as a 20-year-old. Evan Chambers, Rogelios Noris and Aaron Baker are also possibilities. Purely on tools, Jesus Brito has good power too, although that's about the only thing he has.

Andrew Lambo, who hit 39 doubles as a 20-year-old in Class AA in 2009, is another possibility. And if you want to get speculative, you could pick Jared Lakind, who's all the way down in rookie ball, or maybe Matt Curry. All things considered, though, Latimore is who I would have picked as well.

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i was thinking Matt Curry

although I dont think Latimore is a strange pick at all for that category- fits in fine there. As you say, it says nothing about his prospect status. A lot of the lists in BA are filler material, for fun. Like the 2014 projected lineup- it means nothing really, save here’s a lineup that could happen in 3 years, if what you have now is all you’ll have.

by BurgherKing on Jan 13, 2011 2:11 PM EST reply actions

Good idea for a post, Charlie. I was puzzled at first when I saw it, but as I joked in those comments, I sadly couldn’t think of a better choice either. Lambo crossed my mind, but that would be more about projection. Latimore may have power, but it likely won’t amount to much unless he drastically improves his approach.

by King Oskar on Jan 13, 2011 2:12 PM EST reply actions

jeremy farrell? calvin anderson?

if anderson can make contact, that is.

by white angus on Jan 13, 2011 2:22 PM EST reply actions

We’ll probably know a little more about Farrell after this season. I thought about Anderson, but he did so little this year. In terms of raw power, I figured a bunch of the guys at WV were a lot more impressive.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Jan 13, 2011 2:26 PM EST up reply actions

Farrell, Anderson, Latimore

I saw Bradenton play 5x last May, all Against Charlotte. Made the brash statement at the time that I was not impressed with Latimore or Anderson and didn’t think either would get much above AA. What do I know? Not much, just my impression. I thought Jeremy Farrell showed much better, but if we’re talking power hitter along the lines of Pedro, Ryan Zimmerman or even David Wright, hmmmm, not so sure.

Lino Donoso

by Lino Donoso on Jan 13, 2011 9:44 PM EST up reply actions

Calvin?

The only power hitting Anderson we speak of is LARS!!!

by yeahyeahyeah85 on Jan 13, 2011 8:36 PM EST up reply actions

Matt Curry is built for power.

Watched him play a few games this summer and he is big enough to be a slugger, but he seems to have very good plate discipline at the same time – rarely saw him chase. I wonder if his good eye will curtail his power numbers as he tries to advance in the next few years. I guess that will depend upon what his coaches/the organization tell him is expected of him.

by Teek82 on Jan 13, 2011 2:37 PM EST reply actions

Lambo for me, easily

If Latimore makes it past AA, I think he will have warning track power. I think Matt Hague has a better chance at major league power than Latimore. And Curry as well.

If we just want to look at HR’s and RBI, regardless of age, level, and plate disipline, then Latimore is fine. I suspect that is what someone did.

by ballparkfranks on Jan 13, 2011 2:49 PM EST reply actions

WTP?

Why would Latimore have warning track power past AA? Because he’s small? I don’t think that’s how it works. Latimore has good bat speed and can hit fastballs. That equals over the fence power. He struggles with breaking stuff as far as I know.

I don’t really know why, but I like Latimore, but for anyone that thinks he won’t make it, I suggest calling him Fred. His name is Frederick Quincy Latimore. “Quincy Latimore” sounds kinda classy. It has a smoothness to it. “Fred Latimore” sounds like an old accountant. “Fred Latimore” might be an all-glove catcher that can’t run or hit. “Quincy Latimore”, he’s got a shot.

by azibuck on Jan 13, 2011 3:41 PM EST up reply actions

makes sense to me

by white angus on Jan 13, 2011 7:03 PM EST up reply actions

Dissappoined in BA

By the way, I was disappointed in the BA Pirates top prospect report. Lack of knowledge, lack of fact checking, and a lack of any real substance to the article.

by ballparkfranks on Jan 13, 2011 2:52 PM EST reply actions

What makes you say this...

I thought the list was good. It’s also Dejan that does it so there is not a lack of knowledge.

ETHAN MARTIN!!!!

by joegonzo on Jan 13, 2011 5:38 PM EST up reply actions

hmmm

THAT is a matter of opinion as well…

by insane_sanity on Jan 15, 2011 9:27 AM EST up reply actions

Brad Lincoln.

Everything that guy just said is bullshit . . .thank you

by Scranton on Jan 13, 2011 4:07 PM EST reply actions

+1

As sad as that is I think that may be the right answer.

http://bleedblackandgold.com/

by Say Hey Johnny Ray on Jan 13, 2011 4:45 PM EST up reply actions

Anderson and Curry were the two that popped into my head

By taking Latimore over either one of them isn’t a stretch by any means.

It does show that we could use a few power bats though.

http://bleedblackandgold.com/

by Say Hey Johnny Ray on Jan 13, 2011 4:46 PM EST reply actions

Lars Anderson.

by hilltoppeer on Jan 13, 2011 5:32 PM EST reply actions

I believe it is

Lars Fing Anderson

Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene and Jerry Kramer
"Its too bad that NHL is taken because the National Football League has become the National Hypocrite League" Mark Schlereth
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan

by WVPiratesfan on Jan 13, 2011 5:38 PM EST up reply actions

Lars

wouldn’t sink to using curse words.

by hilltoppeer on Jan 13, 2011 5:39 PM EST up reply actions

I was thinking Cunningham...

but Wesley Freeman I think has the most power by far. He just can’t hit minor league pitching. If he ever learns how to hit though, he could be a beast!

ETHAN MARTIN!!!!

by joegonzo on Jan 13, 2011 5:40 PM EST reply actions

Chambers

had 35 xbh hits this year.

by hilltoppeer on Jan 13, 2011 5:45 PM EST reply actions

Latimore

haven’t seen Curry but Latimore has pop…he’s not warning track power anywhere…his problem is he’s a true guess hitter…if he guesses right…he hits it hard…if he guesses wrong…he looks silly….

But he has the most power for sure…plus he’s not all that big.

by Dan Jenkins on Jan 13, 2011 6:07 PM EST reply actions

how do you know this, dan?

did you watch him play in bradenton this year or in state college 2 years ago? just curious if youve seen him play or is it because of his poor OBP

by white angus on Jan 13, 2011 7:05 PM EST up reply actions

I watched him during intersquad games at pirate city

For a small guy he’s got alot of pop but he’s pretty pronounced in his swing…really looked like he was swinging no matter what at times and visa versa…he didn’t have that approach where he seemed to follow the pitch and decide swing or no swing…that’s just from my personal perspective.

I haven’t seen him play a reg season game though…but his approach was that of a pure guess hitter…a exaggerated weight shift / long swing and he starts it early…he literally swung at pitches 2 feet off the plate on several occasions.

by Dan Jenkins on Jan 14, 2011 9:38 AM EST up reply actions

I’ve seen Latimore at Pirate City and in games. I’d say this is accurate.

by WTM on Jan 14, 2011 12:48 PM EST up reply actions

That approach has worked out pretty well for Vlad G. so far.

Not in any way saying QL is Vlad though.

by pskell02 on Jan 14, 2011 1:27 PM EST up reply actions

I remember when Latimore was signed he was considered athletic but raw. At the time I doubt anyone saw him doing what he did this year in the FSL at 21. He still has a long way to go, but we may be underestimating him.

by TNbucs on Jan 13, 2011 6:37 PM EST reply actions

If you're up for an off-the-wall pick...

…then I might throw Allie’s hat into the ring as well. He showed very good power and power potential in the amateur showcases, though he’s obviously a pitcher for the forseeable future.

by Vlad on Jan 13, 2011 7:52 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Damn,

You took mine…

The glare of the spotlight is harsh, and the pressure that success breeds immense. We revere our heroes, but expect much. And criticism can come as easily as praise.

by glass0941 on Jan 14, 2011 11:00 AM EST up reply actions

Baker

I’ve always been a fan of Baker to have some serious power potential since he was drafted. Now, I’ve never been to any minor league games so I’m certainly not an expert, but I looked at the kid after we drafted him and thought he could do some damage.

I wouldn’t leave Latimore and Lambo too far out of the question, though.

by moose2438 on Jan 13, 2011 8:48 PM EST reply actions

off topic, yanks just signed Soriano to a 3 yr, 35MM deal

to be a setup guy.

incredible.

by white angus on Jan 13, 2011 9:19 PM EST reply actions

And heir apparent, I guess

by WTM on Jan 13, 2011 9:23 PM EST up reply actions

Only New York. Well, or Los Angeles.

by moose2438 on Jan 13, 2011 9:25 PM EST up reply actions

Talk about the Yankees bidding against themselves

I can’t imagine anyone else going over $7 million.

by Bernie6 on Jan 13, 2011 11:57 PM EST up reply actions

Ah Latimore

Reminds me SO much of a guy that was with the CPL team I worked with this summer. The gentleman’s name was Bryan Hill. One of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, and an absolute physical MONSTER. He passed up a scholarship to play strong safety at Miami (FL) to play ball at Union University (Jackson, TN). I have never seen raw power out of anyone like I’ve seen out of this guy. The problem? Well you see, he couldn’t hit a breaking pitch on the outside corner (or really any breaking pitch) to save his life. Anything that broke down and away (although he was a lefty, anything starting in the zone and breaking down was also a struggle) just was unhittable for him. But man watching him in batting practice sent chills down your spine.

The glare of the spotlight is harsh, and the pressure that success breeds immense. We revere our heroes, but expect much. And criticism can come as easily as praise.

by glass0941 on Jan 13, 2011 11:37 PM EST reply actions

Here's a thought

If you can’t come up with anything to write about but you want to talk
to everyone here just write about something other than baseball.
I mean who has the most power? What a ridiculous article.

by pirates21 on Jan 14, 2011 9:03 AM EST reply actions

Yawn.

Oh, look, a troll.

Maybe if we ignore it, it’ll go away.

by Vlad on Jan 14, 2011 9:18 AM EST up reply actions

new poll is up:

which BD poster has the most BFF’s on Farcebook?

O even meek
O pirates21
O bfd42d2
O who gives a chit

by white angus on Jan 14, 2011 11:01 AM EST up reply actions

well

at least these are comments now instead of fanposts!

by BurgherKing on Jan 14, 2011 9:57 AM EST up reply actions

CDeath?

Free your ass and your mind will follow.

by cocktailsfor2 on Jan 14, 2011 11:05 AM EST up reply actions

Did anyone notice BA has Heredia in the 2014 rotation?

He’ll be what, 19? Maybe 20?

by feinberge on Jan 14, 2011 10:37 AM EST reply actions

Jeff Clement?

by taiwania on Jan 14, 2011 10:57 AM EST reply actions

youre probably right... lol

shame the guy isnt a catcher any longer

by white angus on Jan 14, 2011 11:02 AM EST up reply actions

He doesn't count as a prospect anymore...

if we were including the majors it would be Pedro, hands down.

by Slick1 on Jan 14, 2011 11:13 AM EST up reply actions

nuh uhhhhhhh, hows pedro gonna even swing the bat with his hands down

cmon, man!!!

by white angus on Jan 14, 2011 12:47 PM EST up reply actions

IAN SNELL SIGNS WITH THE CARDINALS!!!!

why i capitalized it? cuz it felt good, thats why.

by white angus on Jan 14, 2011 12:54 PM EST reply actions

Haha, that's great.

a 5 year stay at Club Fed.

Everything that guy just said is bullshit . . .thank you

by Scranton on Jan 15, 2011 12:47 AM EST up reply actions

Who's The Best Power Hitter In The Pirates' Minor-League System?

I hope to have a big year in 2012 after coming off surgery in 2010 and having a bit of relapse so far this year.

And I hope to be In The Pirates’ Minor-League System.

I also would like a pony.

Free your ass and your mind will follow.

by cocktailsfor2 on Jan 15, 2011 2:05 PM EST reply actions

Along those lines...

I will be once I get MLB The Show ‘11. Power-hitting RF with a cannon arm — two skills the real me never had of course! — just what the system needs. Hopefully they don’t trade me before I reach the majors…

by King Oskar on Jan 18, 2011 12:53 PM EST up reply actions