Michael Crouse
| AB | 2497 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .245 |
| OBP | .337 |
| SLG | .429 |
| HR | 91 |
- Full name Michael R. Crouse
- Born 11/22/1990 in New Westminster, BC, Canada
- Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 215 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Centennial
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Drafted in the 16th round (489th overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2008 (signed for $150,000).
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Crouse, whose father Ray played in the NFL and the Canadian Football League, resembles Diamondbacks outfielder Chris Young physically but lacks premium bat speed. He has made dramatic strides offensively since last year, showing improved power. A long strider, he's an average runner who is faster under way and should have the range to stay in center field, at least in the short term. His average arm could play in the corners if his bat improves enough for him to fit there.
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Crouse was the youngest player on the Canadian national team that played in the World Cup and Pan American Games following the 2011 minor league season. He was part of the first goldmedal squad in Canadian baseball history, winning a championship at the Pan Am games. His father Ray was a running back in the NFL and Canadian Football League, and the family settled in British Columbia. Michael is built like a linebacker with a muscular 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame, and he played both sports growing up. He focused on baseball in high school and signed for $150,000 as a 16th-round pick in 2008. His lack of experience meant he spent parts of three year in Rookie ball and didn't play an entire year in full-season ball until 2011. Crouse has average power and the ball jumps off his bat, but evaluators aren't sold on his swing. It's a stiff, choppy stroke, though it's short and quick to the ball. He's a solid runner with good instincts on the bases, and he needs to improve his plate discipline so he can make more use of his speed. He has good instincts in the outfield and might be able to handle center field, though he played right field at Lansing in deference to Jake Marisnick. Crouse has enough arm strength for right and recorded 13 assists in 88 games last season. He'll move up to high Class A in 2012.
