Quincy Latimore Stats & Scouting Report

AB	6320
AVG	.261
OBP	.335
SLG	.442
HR	240

Full name Frederick Quincy Latimore
Born 02/03/1989 in Raleigh, NC
Profile Ht.: 5'11" / Wt.: 175 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Middle Creek
Drafted in the 4th round (128th overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2007 (signed for $220,000).

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Lattimore isn't a burner, but his speed plays well in the outfield and on the bases. He also has plus bat speed and the potential to hit for power. He swings and misses often, but doesn't chase pitches out of the zone and has good pitch recognition. He's the type of player that could develop into a power threat in the middle North Carolina State's lineup with some fine tuning.

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Organization Prospect Rankings

Latimore has been a favorite of some in the Pirates front office since his draft year, partly because of a fiery competitiveness but mostly because of what they see as legitimate power. He lacks the size for huge home run numbers, but his quick wrists and aggressive swing--bordering on violent--on a Ron Gant frame could translate to 20 home runs a season, according to some scouts. But he'll need to get more consistent with the bat for that to count at higher levels. His walk total has remained consistently too low, and he often hacks at offspeed pitches well outside the zone. Instructors have urged him to slow the game down, as he did when posting a .942 OPS during a sizzling August. That prompted optimism because he more than held his own in high Class A at age 21. He loves to hit and covers the plate well, hitting to all fields, so if he gets more selective he should hit for a decent average. Latimore has average speed, though not enough to mature into a basestealing threat. His arm is slightly above-average, but his overall defense is suspect and will force him to remain in left field. He could move up to Double-A this season, but the Pirates might also prefer to see him work on patience by repeating high Class A.
The Pirates drafted more than their share of low-ceiling college players in the early rounds of the final two drafts of the Dave Littlefield regime. They did use their fourth-round pick on a toolsy high school outfielder in 2007, however, taking Latimore and then signing him for $220,000 to persuade him to pass on a scholarship to North Carolina State. Latimore had a solid pro debut, showing above-average speed both on the bases and while tracking down balls in both gaps in center field. He also has power potential, which should manifest itself as he gains more experience and his body continues to fill out. The biggest concern is whether Latimore will lose some of his speed as he puts on more muscle. If he can maintain his wheels and develop a good hitting approach, then he has a chance to become an above-average player with the potential to hit 20 homers and steal 20 bases per season. Like most young players, Latimore needs to add polish to his game, particularly when it comes to handling breaking pitches and running clean routes in the outfield. Spring training will determine his assignment to begin 2008, as he will either be sent to low Class A or stay in extended spring training before reporting to short-season State College.