Prospect #24: Lee Haydel

Published Dec 30 2008, 10:16 AM by Jim Breen

This year I be releasing my Top 25 Prospects in conjunction with the people over at Between the Green Pillars, which means the list is going to posted somewhat out of order to match up with what Ryan and Jay have for their Top 25. An up-to-date list of the Bernie's Crew Top 25 can be found at the bottom of each individual post.  There will be a new prospect posted each day both here at Bernie's Crew, and also over at Between the Green Pillars.  Each prospect overview will have thoughts from both blogs as well.  Be sure to check back daily!

Lee Haydel

Born: 7/15/1987
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 185 lbs
Throws: L
Bats: L

Lee is a speedster who is still learning to play the game at the professional level.  The young center fielder has all the tools to be a successful big league leadoff hitter, but he is extremely, extremely raw.  He has the speed to steal bases (34 SB), but his instincts are still a work in progress (17 CS).  Haydel shows that he can hit with his .294 AVG, but his plate discipline is not good with 107 strikeouts and only 32 walks in 522 at-bats (only a 6% walk rate).  Is it clear yet?

The bright side is that the 21-year old is improving.  Haydel improved in practically every offensive and defensive category from the 2007 season.  His batting average and on-base percentage improved from .276/.311 to .295/.335.  The walk rate improved from 4.7% in 2007 to 6% in 2008.  Even his defense improved, according to his fielding percentage.  In center field, Lee earned a .968 percentage in 2007, while improving to a .974 fielding percentage last season.  It seems that Haydel is beginning to figure it out.  The young man is beginning to be more patient at the plate, and he understands that he only needs to get the ball on the ground and let his speed do the work.  Over 56% of the balls he put in play were on the ground, which puts a lot of pressure on the opposing defensive infield.  He projects as a prototypical leadoff hitter, and Milwaukee is grooming him to do become that type of player. 

To make it to the big leagues though, Lee must improve the plate discipline a bit.  That 6% walk rate must improve to about an 10-11%, especially since the young center fielder has zero power whatsoever.  In fact, Haydel has never hit a professional home run.  He must develop a threat of power, however, otherwise opposing pitchers will be able to prey upon his rather high strikeout rate.  It will be extremely intriguing to see how he performs next season with the Brevard County Manatees.  He improved in every aspect of his game in 2008.  Will he be able to repeat that trend in 2009?  Milwaukee's organization certainly hopes so.

POTENTIAL: B-
CHANCE OF REACHING POTENTIAL: C
PROJECTED ARRIVAL: 2012
OVERALL: C+

Jim's Ranking: 24

 

Between the Green Pillars

I should make it clear up front that as a general rule I am suspicious of any player whose best tool is his speed. Speed is a good thing for a player to have, obviously, but when it eclipses all the other things that a player needs to do to be valuable, there is a problem. I  am inclined to severely downgrade a player who shows neither power or useful plate discipline. As you note, Haydel fits all of those criteria to a tee. His speed even comes with a warning, because being caught in 17 of 51 attempts by Class A catchers screams "not a natural baserunner" and if he's going to hang his hat on that asset, it's woefully underdeveloped.

Haydel is a young player, but I have to admit it is difficult for me to see him improving his power or plate discipline enough to ever be all that useful at the major league level. Philosophically, I just don't see all that much value in a "hit it on the ground" leadoff man who can neither get on base or hit for any power. In other words, I don't have much use for a "prototypical leadoff hitter" on my team.

The best use I can see for Haydel is to flip him at the trade deadline one of these days for a rental role player, the way they did with Darren Ford. Hopefully he does continue to improve this season at Brevard County and change the basic outlook of his career path.

 

Bernie's Crew Top 25 Prospects

#25 -- Evan Anundsen
#24 -- Lee Haydel
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Comments

 

Ryan Topp said:

I should make it clear up front that as a general rule I am suspicious of any player whose best tool is his speed. Speed is a good thing for a player to have, obviously, but when it eclipses all the other things that a player needs to do to be valuable, there is a problem. I  am inclined to severely downgrade a player who shows neither power or useful plate discipline. As you note, Haydel fits all of those criteria to a tee. His speed even comes with a warning, because being caught in 17 of 51 attempts by Class A catchers screams "not a natural baserunner" and if he's going to hang his hat on that asset, it's woefully underdeveloped.

Haydel is a young player, but I have to admit it is difficult for me to see him improving his power or plate discipline enough to ever be all that useful at the major league level. Philosophically, I just don't see all that much value in a "hit it on the ground" leadoff man who can neither get on base or hit for any power. In other words, I don't have much use for a "prototypical leadoff hitter" on my team.

The best use I can see for Haydel is to flip him at the trade deadline one of these days for a rental role player, the way they did with Darren Ford. Hopefully he does continue to improve this season at Brevard County and change the basic outlook of his career path.

December 30, 2008 12:45 PM
 

BrewerTron said:

Haydel speed is nice but his ceiling is limited to a Juan Pierre type of production.  With limited plate discipline or almost no power he will probably end up a fourth outfiielder.  More tools are needed than speed to be a every day outfielder.  If he sees a big jump in walks he could become more valuable but that will difficult because of his lack of power.

December 30, 2008 1:20 PM
 

Jim Breen said:

While I agree that speed is not the best attribute a prospect could have, it is something that can cause a lot of trouble for opposing teams if applied properly.  By that, I mean he must have a high OBP and a good SB percentage.  Even though Haydel does not have these currently, they are improving each season -- which should be appreciated in a prospect.  For a player who is extremely raw, these improvements serve as an indicator that Haydel could turn into a decent prospect in the coming years -- even if he will not be a superstar.

Still, I understand the lack of power concerns, and they are obviously warranted.  I will be interested to see if Lee can put a couple out of the park in 2009.

December 30, 2008 6:30 PM

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