Darren
Baker

10/18/13 - Lean build with wiry strength throughout; built for speed with length in legs and tight waist. Narrow stance with high hands keeping bat perpendicular to back shoulder; quiet hands hold through slight leg lift while bat head turns and points at Pitcher. Gains ground with stride leg while back hips starts swing; late speed in hands with compact swing and oppo approach showing ability to spray the ball past infielders and into OF gaps. Plus runner down the line using quick gait in stride (4.07 H-1st, 4.3T on 2B); same speed allows him to range deep into the OF and utilizes quickness to make plays keeping ball in INF. Average 2nd base arm with compactness that can make throws from multiple angles. Uber-athletic with ability to be excellent lead off man and table setter in front of Andrew Vaughn.

11/2/19:Baker shows a lean lithe body standing in at 6-0, 160 and shows the athletic skills to stick in the middle of the diamond. A handsy player in all he does and consistently a 60 runner (4.10-4.14 H-1st) with bursts of slightly better, Baker has the ability to move the ball around the field getting to velocity with offensive game predicated on hand-eye coordination and spraying line drives/ground balls while being a disrupter on the bases with both his speed and instincts. The raw power won't play as a significant tool but there’s enough bat speed to pick his spots to look to drive the ball. Defensively plays with a calm demeanor utilizing his athleticism and agility well allowing him to get to the backhand well but also came up short on an important backhand play he was capable of making. The glove side range is a plus and lateral agility is also a plus attribute while playing SS during the game. Arm plays as a tick above average given his feel for getting the ball underway quickly. Dee Gordon-lite would be an apt comp.

8/21/19:The once famous batboy for the San Francisco Giants, Baker was a Cape All-Star and is now a bona fide MLB draft prospect. His feel to hit is his top tool, stroking his way to a team-leading .342 batting average from the left side this summer. From an open stance he showed a leg lift load and good balance at the plate. Currently, there isn’t much pop in his bat (3 XBH with a .034 ISO in 126 plate appearances), but his 6-foot, 170 frame is filling out and his bat speed is improving. Defensively, he has sure hands and average arm strength. He was a tick slow on the DP pivot, but can go and get the extra gear when he needs it. He’s a plus runner underway, and solid average from home to first (4.15). Like many sons-of-big leaguers who have experienced the grind of a 162 game season, Baker has a lower motor and can be tough to grade on short looks. Scouts would like to see him play with more fire, but as you cansee from the video, he is not easily rattled and his easy heartbeat should turn into a strength in pro ball. After a strong sophomore season for the Golden Bears last spring (.306/.367/.335 and 21 SBs), Baker projects to be a Day Two pick this June. (Seifert)

10/18/13 - Lean build with wiry strength throughout; built for speed with length in legs and tight waist. Narrow stance with high hands keeping bat perpendicular to back shoulder; quiet hands hold through slight leg lift while bat head turns and points at Pitcher. Gains ground with stride leg while back hips starts swing; late speed in hands with compact swing and oppo approach showing ability to spray the ball past infielders and into OF gaps. Plus runner down the line using quick gait in stride (4.07 H-1st, 4.3T on 2B); same speed allows him to range deep into the OF and utilizes quickness to make plays keeping ball in INF. Average 2nd base arm with compactness that can make throws from multiple angles. Uber-athletic with ability to be excellent lead off man and table setter in front of Andrew Vaughn.