Player: Andy McGuire
Drafted by: Colorado Rockies (No. 1069 overall)
Position: SS/3B
DOB: 12/2/1994 (Age: 18)
Height/Weight: 6'1"/190 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
School: James Madison HS (Oakton, Va.)
College Commitment: Texas
Background
McGuire climbed up draft boards last summer thanks to several strong showings in various showcase events, including the Perfect Game National and USA Baseball Tournament of Stars. He was making a strong case to be a first-round selection thanks to his offensive upside.
Unfortunately, the injury bug has really slowed him down leading up to the draft. McGuire underwent hip surgery late last year and has been working his way back ever since. His numbers this season were decent, but certainly not what you would expect from a hitter of his caliber.
The injury, and the effect it has had on him since, could lead to McGuire foregoing the chance to play pro ball now and honor his commitment to Texas with the idea that he could improve his stock in three years.
Full Scouting Report
Note: Numerical scores are on the conventional 20-80 scouting scale, where 50 is average, with the current score first and projected score second.
Hitting: 35/55
Solid upside with the bat; starts with his hands high and takes big leg kick, which makes his swing longer than it needs to be; swing-and-miss potential; physically mature already with some room to add muscle; weight transfer is solid; whips bat head through the zone; good bat speed; small tweaks like quieting leg kick should help reach average hit potential.
Power: 30/50
Line-drive swing produces solid gap power; loft and elevation at the end of swing should lead to more pop as he develops; won't be big-time home run hitter, but should be in the 20-25 per season at peak; a lot of moving parts in mechanics could hinder ability to make contact, at least early on.
Plate Discipline: 30/50
Poor season with the bat; injuries have stalled offensive development; will start professional career behind the eight ball; does show some natural ability to read pitches, but he will be tested against pro stuff right away; good hit tool should help with reading and recognizing what is coming, where the strike zone is and what to lay off of.
Speed: 40/40
Already below-average running speed; should maintain that level for most of his peak years; doesn't move well at shortstop or out of the box; will have to rely on baserunning instincts to become more than just station-to-station player.
Defense: 40/50
Lacks elite athleticism and arm strength that will move him to third base in pro ball; has some lateral quickness; reaction times are decent; some instincts and decent footwork that should play well at the hot corner; projects to be average defender.
Arm: 50/50
Fringy arm strength at shortstop, decent for third base; will have to get quick release to make throws deep in the hole; accuracy is solid and won't make a lot of mental mistakes; will settle into hot corner in due time.
MLB Player Comparison: Nomar Garciaparra
Projection: Average offensive third baseman on first-division team.
MLB ETA: 2018
Chances of Signing: 50%
While there was a time when McGuire had the look of a late first-round pick, his stock has dropped significantly this season thanks to a poor season with the bat. It also doesn't help that he will move to third base in pro ball, where offense is much more critical.
Committed to the University of Texas, McGuire could decide to take his talents to Austin in order to increase his stock and get back into the first-round mix in 2016. It is a risky move, especially considering he could get a six-figure signing bonus and professional coaching now, but it's one that could pay huge dividends.
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