MLB Draft: Dustin Ackley
April 9th, 2009 | Published in MLB Draft, Seattle Mariners | 7 Comments
Last week I discussed uber prospect Stephen Strasburg. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that the Nationals will pass on him, but there is a chance. Going forward I’ll discuss some very nice back up options. Dustin Ackley is a player that has gotten my attention for quite a few reasons, and my gut feeling is that he’s Jack Zduriencik’s favorite position prospect.
Ackley is an athletic left handed hitter that sprays line drives in the Chase Utley mold. He generates his power from being able to square up just about any pitch he sees at the college level. Ackley has good, but not great size at around 6′1″ and 200 lbs. Like Utley, he has good but not great speed, and has converted that to a good SB % in college. Ackley’s plate discipline has improved steadily since his freshman year and looks to be able to draw walks and strikeout at a reasonable rate.
His ability to hit for average is his best skill. He projects as above average in power and speed. Depending on his position, he could be graded as very good to average. He’s had arm injuries in the past, which currently limits him to 1B. Many scouts project Ackley to be able to play LF with good range, but a below average arm. Some scouts even project him to be able to move to 2B, which would be very interesting. As a 1B or OF four of his five tools would rate as above average.
My reason for believing that Ackley is likely Zduriencik’s favorite position prospect is based on a couple reasons. Zduriencik has actively drafted power hitting throughout his career. His draftees include Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, Matt LaPorta, and Brett Lawrie. These are all players known mostly for being power hitters. While Ackley isn’t a pure power hitter, he does have good power. Zduriencik has also pursued left handed batters to take advantage of Safeco Field. Ackley is the premier left handed bat in the draft, and there aren’t many competitors for that title. Finally, Zduriencik has definitely favored defensive ability in his short tenure with the Mariners. Ackley has the athleticism to play CF according to many scouts, which would likely make him an above average LF.
Ackley’s skill profile and huge season will assure he goes towards the top of the draft, and if the Mariners decide on a hitter at #2 overall I believe Ackley is the man they’ll target.
May 1st, 2009at 3:12 pm(#)
[...] question is whether he fits with the Mariners at #2. I’ve already said I think Dustin Ackley is the pick if the Mariners go position prospect. I think Green is a nice player, but projects to be merely [...]
May 11th, 2009at 11:34 am(#)
I just read on ESPN Insider that Ackley played Center for the first time since Tommy John surgery and it went fine. That pretty much solidifies him in my eyes as Seattle’s clear chose if they go position. I personally liked him a lot before tho.
May 11th, 2009at 1:53 pm(#)
Yeah, I still believe he fits Zduriencik’s ideas better. All of the sudden every minor league OF the Mariners have is tearing the cover off the ball. It’ll be interesting to see if he still goes for need (SS) or best player available.
May 11th, 2009at 5:42 pm(#)
How soon would Ackley be able to contribute at the ML level? And, to what extent does this consideration play in drafting a player in the first round?
May 11th, 2009at 6:17 pm(#)
You can expect Ackley as fast as any position player in this draft, but that isn’t going to be in 2009. Most teams don’t draft their top players based on when they’ll be ready at the MLB level. Rarely are teams drafting at the very top of the draft in a position where their draft pick will be the difference between them making the playoffs or not. The college high school decision is more risk reward, rather than now or later.
May 25th, 2009at 2:08 pm(#)
If the Mariners do not take ackley the organization is flat out crazy…he has crazy speed and a great arm…Not in CF,because UNC does not have a good 1st baseman.could be the best hitter in NCAA history over his 3 years at UNC.
August 10th, 2009at 8:35 pm(#)
Hey Corey, nice website but quit playing around and get back here to the Courtyard and take care of me. No one cares like you did!!! Seriously I hope you all the best in your future. Burke