Drafted in the 5th round (151st overall) by the Los Angeles Angels in 1998.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
Background: Blakely led the Alaska summer league with 47 stolen bases in 1997. By adding 20 pounds, he led Hawaii in both home runs and stolen bases in 1998. Strengths: Blakely is a rare find among college drafts, a tools player who will have to refine his skills to move up the ladder. He is a true center fielder with plus speed and excellent range. The Angels are most intrigued by his offensive potential, which includes some juice in the bat and the speed to rack up plenty of extra-base hits and steals. Weaknesses: Blakely had trouble batting lefthanded after signing, a problem because most of a switch-hitter's at bats come from that side. He will have to improve on his overall contact. The Future: By drafting exclusively college players, the Angels frequently lock themselves out of the market for physical, multi-tooled players such as Blakely. He will be moved as quickly as his bat is able to carry him. He could start 1999 at Class A Lake Elsinore.
Scouting Reports
Background: Blakely led the Alaska summer league with 47 stolen bases in 1997. By adding 20 pounds, he led Hawaii in both home runs and stolen bases in 1998.
Strengths: Blakely is a rare find among college drafts, a tools player who will have to refine his skills to move up the ladder. He is a true center fielder with plus speed and excellent range. The Angels are most intrigued by his offensive potential, which includes some juice in the bat and the speed to rack up plenty of extra-base hits and steals.
Weaknesses: Blakely had trouble batting lefthanded after signing, a problem because most of a switch-hitter's at bats come from that side. He will have to improve on his overall contact.
The Future: By drafting exclusively college players, the Angels frequently lock themselves out of the market for physical, multi-tooled players such as Blakely. He will be moved as quickly as his bat is able to carry him. He could start 1999 at Class A Lake Elsinore.
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