Drafted in the 1st round (6th overall) by the San Diego Padres in 1981 (signed for $115,000).
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Organization Prospect Rankings
In his two pro seasons, McReynolds has been the most dominating player in the minor leagues, averaging .372, 33 homers and 127 RBIs. Promoted to the Padres last June, he hit just .178 in 73 at-bats and struck out 22 times before being returned to Las Vegas. He was better in September, hitting .269 for San Diego. McReynolds goes to spring training as the Padres' center fielder, though some scouts say he's better suited for one of the outfield corners. He is not slow afoot, but doesn't have the speed or arm to compensate for mistakes. "I think scouts question his arm because he doesn't put on a display in infield practice for them," San Diego general manager Jack McKeon said. "But with us last year, he made every throw he had to make." The Padres believe that McReynolds will hit .285-.300, 20-25 homers and be a run producer. He is a good two-strike hitter, willing to shorten his stroke and go to right field. Pitches up in the strike zone have given him trouble, but scouts say he is a smart hitter and, given experience, should be able to adjust. "The more you see a player, the more you look for things he can't do, and I think that's happened to him a little bit," McKeon said. "But people still say he's the best player drafted in the last five years." The sixth player selected in the June 1981 draft, McReynolds sat out that season rehabilitating from serious knee surgery. He has had no problems with the knee the past two seasons.
Scouting Reports
In his two pro seasons, McReynolds has been the most dominating player in the minor leagues, averaging .372, 33 homers and 127 RBIs. Promoted to the Padres last June, he hit just .178 in 73 at-bats and struck out 22 times before being returned to Las Vegas. He was better in September, hitting .269 for San Diego. McReynolds goes to spring training as the Padres' center fielder, though some scouts say he's better suited for one of the outfield corners. He is not slow afoot, but doesn't have the speed or arm to compensate for mistakes. "I think scouts question his arm because he doesn't put on a display in infield practice for them," San Diego general manager Jack McKeon said. "But with us last year, he made every throw he had to make." The Padres believe that McReynolds will hit .285-.300, 20-25 homers and be a run producer. He is a good two-strike hitter, willing to shorten his stroke and go to right field. Pitches up in the strike zone have given him trouble, but scouts say he is a smart hitter and, given experience, should be able to adjust. "The more you see a player, the more you look for things he can't do, and I think that's happened to him a little bit," McKeon said. "But people still say he's the best player drafted in the last five years." The sixth player selected in the June 1981 draft, McReynolds sat out that season rehabilitating from serious knee surgery. He has had no problems with the knee the past two seasons.
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