Buck's Scout Card - Joe Rizzo
June 9, 2016
With the MLB Draft starting tonight, PBR Special Assignment Scout Bill Buck gives us his take on some of the best prospects that the Commonwealth and the District have to offer. Buck has served as a scout for four major league teams spanning the last 30 years and now offers his expertise to PBR VA/DC.
Commitment:
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South Carolina |
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Range |
Current |
Future |
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|
Current |
Future |
| Fastball |
|
|
|
|
Hit |
30
|
65
|
| Curveball |
|
|
|
|
Power |
40
|
50 |
| Slider |
|
|
|
|
Raw/Frequency |
55
|
55 |
| Changeup |
|
|
|
|
Fielding |
40
|
45 |
| Other |
|
|
|
|
Arm/Range |
45
|
45 |
| Command |
|
|
|
|
Run |
35
|
35 |
Draft Projection: 2nd to 3rd Round
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Comp: |
Role: 2nd Baseman
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Joe Rizzo, 3B, Oakton, 2016 Advanced left-handed bat. Makes hard contact, pull hitter that demonstrates above-average present raw loft power. Shows good judgement of the strike zone. Question as to where he will play, second base seems mostly likely option at this time. Projects as above-average hitter with above-average power, knows how to play, bat will carry him a long way. Should be selected in the Top 40 picks.
3.7.16: Rizzo is an athletic infielder with a strong frame. He hits from an athletic stance and has a leg kick stride with a slight load back and good rhythm. He is very quick to the ball and gets good extension through it. He has an electric lower half and explosive hands, generating elite bat speed and power with minimal effort. He maintains balance throughout his swing and shows a good approach, hitting the ball where it is thrown and using the entire field. Defensively, Rizzo played shortstop and showed soft hands and a good first step. He has a clean transfer and quick release with a strong, accurate arm. He also showed a good feel of how much arm he needed and how quickly the ball had to come out during the scrimmage. Rizzo has average speed, getting down the line in 4.41 and 4.43 from the left side, but he has very good quickness. In his at bat against Lee, he did a good job taking a fastball that was a bit up the other way for a base hit.
6.15.16: Polished left-handed stroke. Exudes confidence on every swing. Starts in a balanced athletic stance with high hands. Utilizes a leg kick and stays behind the ball very well. Hands are short to the ball and explosive. Lower half is also explosive. Stride and hands stay online throughout the swing. Has power through the middle of the field. At third base, has good lateral movement and a strong throwing arm. Has the ability to be a plus defender at the position.
