Leon Landry Stats & Scouting Report

AB	2875
AVG	.267
OBP	.314
SLG	.398
HR	43

Full name Leon Renard Landry
Born 09/20/1989 in Baton Rouge, LA
Profile Ht.: 5'11" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: L / Throws: R
School Louisiana State
Drafted in the 3rd round (109th overall) by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2010 (signed for $284,400).

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Landry was a regular on Louisiana State's 2008 College World Series club as a freshman, but he lost his starting job midway through 2009. After helping the Tigers win the national title as a part-timer, he starred in the Cape Cod League, hitting .364 with wood bats. Landry profiles as a potential four-tool center fielder. He's having his best college season to date, reflecting a more mature approach at the plate. He no longer sells out for power and pulls off pitches, and he's doing a much better job of controlling the strike zone. A 5-foot-11, 195-pound lefthanded batter, he projects as a possible .275 hitter with 15 homers in the big leagues. He has slightly above-average speed and keen defensive instincts that allow him to play center field. If he can't stick in center as a pro, his below-average arm would dictate a move to left field, which in turn would put more pressure on his bat.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

The Mariners acquired Landry along with righthander Logan Bawcom from the Dodgers for Brandon League at the 2012 trading deadline. Landry put together an excellent season, winning the high Class A California League batting title (.341). leading the minors in triples (18) and ranking second in the league in doubles (34) and slugging (.584). He had a similarly strong pro debut in 2010 before regressing in his first full pro season. Landry holds his bat low and has a quick, handsy swing. He gets his foot down early and utilizes mostly a flat bat path, which is why most of his power goes to the gaps. He profiles as a solid hitter with below-average power, but he'll make up for his lack of homers with plenty of doubles. A solid runner, he's a threat to bunt for a hit. He is still learning to read pitchers so he can become a better basestealer. He's even quicker once he gets going, which allows him to cover the gaps in center field. He's a fearless defender who will lay out for balls and go up against a wall. He has a below-average arm. Landry will face a major test as a hitter in 2013 when he heads to Double-A for the first time.
Landry lost his starting job during Louisiana State's run to the 2009 College World Series title but recovered to bat .364 in the Cape Cod League that summer and came back with a vengeance last spring. Landry hit .338 and stole 16 bases for the Tigers, the best numbers of his college career, and didn't slow down after signing for $284,400 as the Dodgers' third-round pick, finishing fifth in the Rookie-level Pioneer League in batting (.349). Landry could develop four average or better tools. His swing is short and compact and he should be able to hit for a solid average. He started controlling the strike zone better and became a much tougher out last year when he stopped selling out for power, which isn't his strength. He'll probably settle in around 8-12 home runs a year, but he can be a difference-maker in center field. Landry has outstanding instincts on defense, getting good reads and jumps on balls. He's able to range well in all directions and make highlight-reel plays, even though his straight-ahead speed is only a tick above-average. With the makings of a capable leadoff hitter and center fielder, Landry should advance to low Class A to get his first look at full-season ball in 2011.

Minor League Top Prospects

Landry endured a disappointing 2011 season in low Class A, hitting .250/.307/.360 in his first full year as a pro, but he learned from the experience and came back strong in 2012. He won the Cal League batting title (.341) and also topped the circuit in triples (18) and extra-base hits (65). Along the way, he moved from the Dodgers to the Mariners in the Brandon League deal at the trade deadline. His batting stance is somewhat unorthodox, as he holds the bat very low a la Eric Davis, yet Landry is a good high-ball hitter. He can get his bat around on quality fastballs and has the strength in his wrists and forearms to put up decent home run totals. While he has a knack for barreling balls up, he does struggle with quality breaking stuff at times. Landry doesn't have blazing speed but he runs well enough and his instincts make him a quality center fielder. His lone below-average tool is his arm. He's a capable basestealer, though the Mariners worked with him to be more aggressive after acquiring him.
Landry helped Louisiana State win the 2009 College World Series in a part-time role before roaring back to win a starting gig this season as a junior. He hit a career best .338/.418/.513 with 16 steals for the Tigers, showing a more patient approach. His gains carried over to pro ball, as he finished fifth in the Pioneer League batting race (.349) and helped lead Ogden to the finals. Early in his college career, Landry would pull off the ball and sell out for power. Now he hits for consistent gap power and could max out with 15 homers per year in the big leagues. That will be more than enough if he reaches his ceiling as a .280 hitter who gets on base out of the leadoff spot and holds down center field. A tick above-average runner, he reads the ball well off the bat and covers lots of ground in center with a quick first step. His arm is his lone below-average tool. "I liked him a lot because he plays the game with passion," Ayrault said. "He's a very athletic outfielder who can steal some bags, and he's such a tough out at the plate."