The Detroit Tigers select Nick Quintana in the second round of the 2019 MLB draft

Embed from Getty Images After selecting a High School player in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft, The Detroit Tigers dipped back into the college ranks for they’re second round selection. Third baseman Nick Quintana, from the University of Arizona.

This was a very interesting pick for Al Avila and his scouting department. The pick was mixed for good reason. Nick Quintana can hit. 34 home runs in three seasons with the Wildcats, 17 doubles in each of those seasons while batting .346, forced his name up the draft board. That’s the good.

The bad, that’s easy. Nick Quintana struck out 20% of the time. That is too high for an advanced college bat. Also questions abound about Quintana’s ability to hit consistently with a wooden bat. in two seasons in the Cape Cod league Nick hit .230 and struck out 38% of the time in 69 games.

Nick Quintana, moved from shortstop to third base in college. He bulked up and moved to third base where his athleticism took off. with his glove and arm, Quintana grades as a 60 defender.

Detroit feels Quintana will hit. He will not hit .300 but .270-.280. He has pop in his bat and can drive in runs. He should fill out to be an above average player.

If he hits, Nick Quintana will be a middle of the batting order player. If not, Detroit will need to continue to look for third base help.

 

Detroit Tigers: prospect profile Christian Stewart

Embed from Getty Images When the Washington Nationals, signed Detroit Tigers free agent pitcher Max Scherzer, in 2015 it gave the Tigers a compensation draft pick. They used that draft pick on University of Tennessee’s Christian Stewart.

He can hit. That is not a problem. He is in baseball terms “a thumper.” Stewart, has plus raw power. He can hit the snot out of the ball. Not only for power but for average.

He will remind Detroit fans of Adam Dunn. Only unlike Dunn, Stewart has a good batting average. If Christian Stewart hits 30+ home runs and knocks in 80+ R.B.I.’s Tigers fans will be pleased.

There is a hold up though. For all he can do with a bat in his hands. He is woeful in the outfield. He is well below average in arm, glove and speed. At 6′ 0″ Stewart is too short to be considered for first base.

That leaves the Detroit Tigers using a draft pick to get a designated hitter (D.H.) I don’t want to whine or complain. They team drafted a very good hitter. Although he is one dimensional. His bat will be welcomed in the Detroit Tigers, rebuild.

The team may be forced to using Stewart, in the field when the team plays National League teams.

That said Christian Stewart, is a prospect I like. A lot. He will be a good fit in Comerica Park. Playing this season in Toledo with the Mud Hens. Christian, should get a September call up when the rosters are expanded.