Saturday, January 7, 2012

Tribe Prospect Countdown: #17 LeVon Washington

5'11", 170 lbs, 20 in 2012
Bats: Left, Throws: Right

2011 Stats (A Lake County): .218, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 15/21 SB, .647 OPS, 1.82 K/BB

Too be sure, Washington has a ton of talent.  Known as an amateur as a "toolsy" player, he can do a little bit of everything.  The speed (4 3B as well) and arm (11 OF assists) are evident; while the average, power (.315 SLG) and defense (6 OF errors) seem to be lagging behind.  Before becoming the Indians' 2nd round pick in 2010, LeVon was a 2009 1st round selection by Tampa Bay, declining to sign.  Despite a letter of intent to the University of Florida, poor SAT scores forced him to junior college between the drafts.  Washington did not handle the experience well.  A lack of focus combined with a rehabbing right shoulder led to a lost season.  The situation reinforced character concerns about the talented youngster and helped push him down to the Tribe in round #2.  Additionally, the injury bug has followed LeVon to the pros.  He had hip surgery prior to 2011 and was hampered the entire season by a nagging knee injury.  To me, there seem to be a ton of red flags.  Many are very high on Washington, often dazzled by amazing metrics (i.e. 4.0 seconds home to 1st).  I agree that his ceiling is through the roof, but until the kid shows me some production, my skepticism will remain.

Up Next: #16 LHP Giovanni Soto

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