Tim Beckham
6’0 188lbs DOB: 1/27/1990
Shortstop 18 years old
2008: Princeton, Hudson Valley
Draft: 2008 Round 1, Pick 1
One of the most highly regarded prep bats in recent years and a 5-tool true shortstop, the Rays selected Tim Beckham with the first overall pick of the 2008 draft. Eager to begin his playing career, the Rays and Beckham agreed to terms on a deal that included a $6.15 million bonus a mere two weeks after the draft, allowing Beckham to begin his career at rookie level Princeton.
Statistically, Beckham struggled at the plate in 46 games for Princeton. Batting .251 with an OBP of .296, Beckham had just 14 extra base hits including two homers. He struck out in 21.7% of his plate appearances and walked only 5.8% of the time. While these numbers certainly are not great, it is very encouraging that he held his own against professional pitchers in his first taste of pro ball. Furthermore, Beckham showed improvement throughout the year; his OPS increased each month from .494 in June, to .605 in July, culminating with .747 in August. He earned a late season call up to Hudson Valley, where he appeared in just 2 games.
Rookie league numbers aside, which should be taken with a large grain of salt, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about Beckham’s future. He projects to be an above average hitter at a premium position. Blessed with quick wrists, Beckham generates tremendous bat speed, which could translate into above average power down the road. He does have some minor mechanical flaws in his swing, but those will be ironed out in time as he develops and adjusts to the pro game. Beckham extended his season and continued his development by attending the Rays’ fall Instructional League.
Beckham has all of the tools in the field to be a plus defender at short. Soft hands and good actions in the field coupled with an above average arm should allow Beckham to stay at shortstop as he progresses. His above average speed and baseball instincts will provide him with plenty of range for the shortstop position. Good speed will also allow him to swipe some bases although he’s not likely post huge stolen base numbers in the majors. Beckham’s makeup is also plus, as he always displays enthusiasm for the game, frequently smiling and laughing with teammates on the field.
Beckham should start 2009 with the Rays’ new Class A affilliate in the South Atlantic League, the Bowling Green Hot Rods. He’s certainly one to keep an eye on in 2009 as he begins his first full season of professional ball.
6’0 188lbs DOB: 1/27/1990
Shortstop 18 years old
2008: Princeton, Hudson Valley
Draft: 2008 Round 1, Pick 1
One of the most highly regarded prep bats in recent years and a 5-tool true shortstop, the Rays selected Tim Beckham with the first overall pick of the 2008 draft. Eager to begin his playing career, the Rays and Beckham agreed to terms on a deal that included a $6.15 million bonus a mere two weeks after the draft, allowing Beckham to begin his career at rookie level Princeton.
Statistically, Beckham struggled at the plate in 46 games for Princeton. Batting .251 with an OBP of .296, Beckham had just 14 extra base hits including two homers. He struck out in 21.7% of his plate appearances and walked only 5.8% of the time. While these numbers certainly are not great, it is very encouraging that he held his own against professional pitchers in his first taste of pro ball. Furthermore, Beckham showed improvement throughout the year; his OPS increased each month from .494 in June, to .605 in July, culminating with .747 in August. He earned a late season call up to Hudson Valley, where he appeared in just 2 games.
Rookie league numbers aside, which should be taken with a large grain of salt, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about Beckham’s future. He projects to be an above average hitter at a premium position. Blessed with quick wrists, Beckham generates tremendous bat speed, which could translate into above average power down the road. He does have some minor mechanical flaws in his swing, but those will be ironed out in time as he develops and adjusts to the pro game. Beckham extended his season and continued his development by attending the Rays’ fall Instructional League.
Beckham has all of the tools in the field to be a plus defender at short. Soft hands and good actions in the field coupled with an above average arm should allow Beckham to stay at shortstop as he progresses. His above average speed and baseball instincts will provide him with plenty of range for the shortstop position. Good speed will also allow him to swipe some bases although he’s not likely post huge stolen base numbers in the majors. Beckham’s makeup is also plus, as he always displays enthusiasm for the game, frequently smiling and laughing with teammates on the field.
Beckham should start 2009 with the Rays’ new Class A affilliate in the South Atlantic League, the Bowling Green Hot Rods. He’s certainly one to keep an eye on in 2009 as he begins his first full season of professional ball.
best player in the 2008 draft, hes gonna replace bartlett down the road, while matt joyce takes the right field position, and desmond jennings taking carl crwfords spot someday, wscott kazmir will be back in the line up and andy sonanstione will probabbly be released or used as a leftry specialist in the bullpen , hed be more effective in the nl
ReplyDeletewhy is he strikeing out so much?Is he just swinging at a lot of pitches or is he just looking at a lot of pitches or a combo of both?Whats keeping him from being a good hitter that messed up swing I heard about,timing,or something else?and was the person that thought 20-homer power doing drugs?
ReplyDeleteI was never really huge on Beckham(I wanted Pedro Alvarez), and the strikeouts are a bit of a concern(not that Alvarez doesn't have trouble here). He's young for the SAL and his swing was re-worked, but his numbers have gone down each month since May. There's obviously still plenty of time, but I'm not his biggest fan.
ReplyDeleteYou wanted Alvarez I wanted Posey.Just about how much money was Posey asking for?I knew he was a Boras client.And right I wouldnt mind Alvarez seeing as Pena might be gone soon.Alvarez could have played 1B right?
ReplyDeletePosey got 6.2 million, Beckham got 6.15 million, and Alvarez got 6 million(obviously though Beckham was more of a sure-fire sign). Alvarez will probably have to move to 1B in the future, yeah. He's been on an absolute tear lately in AA.
ReplyDeletedang people make it sound like Posey wanted 10 mil or something.All I hear is he wanted to much money.Does Alvarez offer anything more than Pena?HRs and Ks.
ReplyDeleteAlvarez offers more contact than Pena does. So whereas Pena is a .240 type hitter with great power, Alvarez projects to hit more around the .270-.280 range with similar power and walk numbers.
ReplyDeleteIt's weird to think about it, and it's hard to give up Longoria/Price/Beckham, but the Rays theorectically could have had Tim Lincecum(2006 over Longoria), Matt Wieters(2007 over Price) and Pedro Alvarez/Justin Smoak(2008 over Beckham).
ReplyDeleteI have thought about how we could have had Lincecum and then Wieters before.Give us a catcher and an actual ace.Then again with our pitching coaches he might not have been the same lincecum we see today.probaly would have got injured.
ReplyDeleteResults (like strikeouts) for sub 20 year old guys is nothing to focus on. Projection, while offering no certainties, is all that matters. Talk about results in 12 months if Beckham does not pick it up.
ReplyDelete