Eckstein A Fitting Role Model For David Fletcher

TEMPE, Ariz.—Shortstop David Fletcher’s favorite player growing up in Orange County, Calif., was David Eckstein, so he always has appreciated being compared with the gritty, over-achieving shortstop and leadoff man for the 2002 World Series-champion Angels.

“He’s like David Eckstein on extra vitamins,” director of player development Mike Gallego said of Fletcher last fall.

But there is one comparison to Eckstein—that of a slap hitter with virtually no power—that Fletcher would like to shed this season. Much of his focus last winter was on strengthening his 5-foot-10, 175-pound frame in an effort to “add a little more power and extra-base hits,” he said.

“My strength has always been my defense,” said Fletcher, 22. “I’m trying to improve on being more productive at the plate.”

That Fletcher is in big league camp in his third pro season is a testament to his quick development. Undrafted out of Cypress (Calif.) High, he was a sixth-round pick out of Loyola Marymount in 2015.

Fletcher spent most of 2016 at high Class A Inland Empire and the last month at Double-A Arkansas. He hit .280/.322/.351 with three homers in 98 games.

Fletcher has shown advanced plate discipline, and he has decent speed with 16 stolen bases in 19 attempts last year.

Defensively, Fletcher has played mostly shortstop, but he projects as a second baseman in the big leagues. He has quick feet, soft hands and good instincts. What he lacks in arm strength he compensates for with accuracy.

“He has plus range for a second baseman, and he’s a natural shortstop, so he looks good,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. “His tool set is nice. He’s athletic, quick and he’s going to be able to steal a base when it’s there. And he’s a tough out at the plate. He’s a good little player.”

ANGEL FOOD

• The Angels reassigned first-round first baseman Matt Thaiss to minor league camp on March 9, but not before he went 5-for-11 in 10 games. “I think this guy’s got an incredible future, but let’s take one step at a time,” Scioscia said. “Let’s let him work his way out of A-ball, and we’ll see.”

• Catcher Jack Kruger, a 20th-round pick who signed for $395,000 last year, also impressed the Angels before being reassigned to minor league camp.

— Mike DiGiovanna covers the Angels for the Los Angeles Times