Joey DeMichele
| AB | 2320 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .243 |
| OBP | .308 |
| SLG | .366 |
| HR | 35 |
- Full name Joseph Daniel DeMichele
- Born 02/05/1991 in Phoenix, AZ
- Profile Ht.: 5'11" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: L / Throws: R
- School Arizona State
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Drafted in the 3rd round (108th overall) by the Chicago White Sox in 2012 (signed for $400,000).
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Scouts like to use the cliche that "hitters hit," as shorthand for a player who has always produced. They certainly use it for DeMichele, who hit .368/.412/.663 last year and was batting .335/.405/.562 this year with a compact, lefthanded swing. He has good barrel control and the ability to square everything up, and he is a tough out who has the ability to hit to all fields. At 5-foot-11 and 188 pounds, he'll be more of a gap hitter, though he has enough strength to hit the occasional home run. The questions come on defense, where DeMichele will have to work to remain at second base. He has an average arm and actions, but needs to improve his footwork and quickness. DeMichele has a track record of continual improvement, and he worked hard to improve his body and shows good makeup on and off the field. A team that believes he can play second base could take DeMichele as high as the second round.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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DeMichele isn't especially toolsy, but he definitely can hit. He won the Pacific-10 Conference batting title with a .368 average as a sophomore in 2011, then hit .336 last spring to become just the sixth Arizona State player ever to lead the team in consecutive seasons. His prowess at the plate got DeMichele drafted in the third round, where he signed for $400,000. With a compact swing and impressive bat control, he held his own in low Class A during his pro debut. He uses the whole field and should be able to stay out of slumps. Most of his power comes to the gaps, though the White Sox think he has the strength to post double-digit home run totals as he develops. DeMichele played mostly DH as a Sun Devils sophomore, and it remains to be seen whether he can remain at second base. He has limited range and average arm strength, and he has work to do improving his hands. He has fringy speed but runs the bases fairly well. DeMichele could start his first full pro season in Double-A. He could develop into an Adam Kennedy type if he can field his position adequately.
Draft Prospects
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Scouts like to use the cliche that "hitters hit," as shorthand for a player who has always produced. They certainly use it for DeMichele, who hit .368/.412/.663 last year and was batting .335/.405/.562 this year with a compact, lefthanded swing. He has good barrel control and the ability to square everything up, and he is a tough out who has the ability to hit to all fields. At 5-foot-11 and 188 pounds, he'll be more of a gap hitter, though he has enough strength to hit the occasional home run. The questions come on defense, where DeMichele will have to work to remain at second base. He has an average arm and actions, but needs to improve his footwork and quickness. DeMichele has a track record of continual improvement, and he worked hard to improve his body and shows good makeup on and off the field. A team that believes he can play second base could take DeMichele as high as the second round.
