Laurila: Q&A with Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs infield prospect
From SABR member David Laurila at FanGraphs on November 11, 2013:
It’s hard not to be excited about Kris Bryant. The 21-year-old Chicago Cubs prospect stands 6-foot-5, weighs 215 pounds and has monster power from the right side. Drafted second overall this year out of the University of San Diego, where he hit a best-in-the-nation 31 home runs, he profiles as a bigger version of Ron Santo.
Based on early returns, that doesn’t qualify as hyperbole. The young third baseman hit .336/.390/.688 between Low-A Boise and High-A Daytona this summer. Assigned to the Arizona Fall League for further seasoning, he is currently leading the circuit with six home runs and a 1.182 OPS.
Bryant realizes he’s not ready for the big leagues. A student of hitting, he’s aware he needs more at bats before he’s fully prepared to take aim at the Wrigley Field bleachers. How many more is yet to be determined, but given his raw talent, he should be a force once he reaches Chicago.
Bryant talked about his offensive game — including wisdom passed to him via Ted Williams — in the final week of the minor league season.
Read the full article here: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/qa-kris-bryant-chicago-cubs-infield-prospect/
Originally published: November 11, 2013. Last Updated: November 11, 2013.