Today: TB Prospect Tim Beckham
The first overall pick in the 2008 Draft, Tampa Bay's Tim Beckham is the team's shortstop of the future... or maybe its third baseman. As an eighteen year old still growing into his body, he's quite a ways away from having an impact.
As if it isn't enough that they already have a Longoria on the roster, Tampa Bay continues to exasperate Internet searchers by adding teenage heartthrob Tim 'Posh' Beckham to their talent pool. The team paid big for the top pick, handing out a record breaking bonus of more than $6M, but they think they've got someone with Steve Austin-level powers lurking in his sinewy frame.
A real five-tool talent, Beckham has good raw speed and baseball instincts, though of course he's got a lot to learn about reading pitchers. His swing is quick thanks to his very fast hands, though he does have some awkwardness to overcome in turning on inside pitches. He hasn't shown much power yet, but that usually takes a few years, and the bar is pretty low if he remains at shortstop.
As for fielding. he's got the range and the hands for short, with a strong enough arm for shortstop. As long as he doesn't outgrow his body, he should fine there. If he does get too big, though, he won't lose much value as a second or third baseman, and Evan Longoria's more than capable of moving to left field, where the Rays expect to have a hole soon.
Beckham's draft position was all about potential, potential and more potential. He's nowhere close to big-league ready, and won't be in the majors for a few years. That leaves a lot of time for things to derail.
But if he can make progress and stay healthy, he could be a top-10 Major League shortstop in 2012 or so, with the top five not completely out of reach.
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