Josh Richmond Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Joshua James Richmond
Born 06/14/1989 in Cincinnati, OH
Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Louisville
Drafted in the 12th round (376th overall) by the Texas Rangers in 2010 (signed for $195,000).

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Louisville should have six hitters selected in the draft, and the one with the most potential missed most of the season. Outfielder Richmond injured his left hand when hit by a pitch in April 2009 and eventually had surgery last winter. A circulation problem kept his hand from healing properly, and he reinjured it diving for a ball in February and missed 41 games. He's a 6-foot-2, 205-pounder with the swing and strength to hit for average and power once he improves his pitch recognition. His best tool is his strong arm, and his slightly above-average speed may allow him to play center field in pro ball. If healthy, Richmond might have gone as high as the third round. Now it's likely that whichever team drafts him will monitor his health in summer ball before signing him.

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Richmond might have been drafted as high as the third round if injuries hadn't short-circuited his college career at Louisville. He injured his left hand when he was hit by a pitch as a junior in 2009, and he eventually had surgery the following winter. A circulation problem kept his hand from healing property, and he re-injured it diving for a ball last February, causing him to miss 41 games. After signing with the Rangers for an above-slot $195,000 bonus as a 12th-rounder, Richmond had a solid pro debut but then hurt his left thumb in instructional league. He's often banged up because he plays with reckless abandon. One club official said Richmond "plays like a chicken with his head cut off, running into walls all the time." However, his tools are tantalizing. He has good size and athleticism, though he needs to use his lower half better in order to unlock his above-average righthanded power potential. He struggles to recognize breaking balls at times, and he doesn't figure to be better than an average hitter, but he could be a physical, run-producing corner outfielder. Richmond has slightly above-average speed and a strong arm that plays very well in right field, and he can also play center. He plays hard and works hard, but he sometimes tries to do too much. Richmond will try to put together a full healthy season in 2011, starting in low Class A.