Chevy Clarke
| AB | 1593 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .217 |
| OBP | .312 |
| SLG | .346 |
| HR | 34 |
- Full name Chevez Emmanuel Clarke
- Born 01/09/1992 in Atlanta, GA
- Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: S / Throws: R
- School Marietta
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Drafted in the 1st round (30th overall) by the Los Angeles Angels in 2010 (signed for $1,089,000).
View Draft Report
Clarke was one of the highest-profile high school players entering the season, after playing last summer in both the Aflac and Under Armour all-star games. He has shown outstanding tools, from above-average speed (running the 60 consistently in 6.5 seconds) to hitting ability from both sides of the plate. He started switch-hitting at age 13 and has a smooth stroke as both a righthanded and lefthanded hitter, flashing average raw power. He has present strength and explosiveness, generating good bat speed, and has earned comparisons offensively to Jimmy Rollins. While he has played the infield in the past, the Rollins comparison falls short because Clarke is primarily a center fielder. He has a strong arm, which some scouts grade as plus, and has touched 90 mph off the mound. He even has bloodlines. His father played at Southern and he's related to the Hairston family--great uncle Sam and distant cousins Scott and Jerry all played in the big leagues. So why doesn't Clarke fit into the first round? Despite his tools, he hasn't dominated high school competition, and scouts question his instincts. He lacks pitch recognition skills and swings and misses too much for someone with his swing and ability. Clarke has committed to Georgia Tech and could be a tough sign if he's drafted lower than he was expecting.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Five Georgia high school players went in the 2010 draft's first round, with the Angels responsible for three of them. They tabbed Kaleb Cowart (18th overall) and Cam Bedrosian (29th) with compensation picks and used their own choice at No. 30 to select Clarke, a potential five-tool player whom they signed for $1.089 million. He's related to the Hairston family, which has produced five big leaguers, including his cousins Jerry Jr. and Scott Hairston. A switch-hitter since age 13, Clarke has unquestionable bat speed from both sides of the plate, yet he didn't dominate amateur competition. At his best, he shows average power from both sides, but he'll need to add more finish to his swing and keep his bat in the zone longer to unlock that potential. He struck out 55 times in 38 games during his pro debut, highlighting the need for enhanced pitch recognition. Clarke boasts above-average speed and arm strength and rates as at least an average defender in center field. He's far from a finished product, but in Clarke the Angels can see the outline of an all-around regular in its nascent stages. He'll spend his first full pro season in low Class A.
Minor League Top Prospects
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The third of the Angels' three 2010 first-round picks, Clarke struggled offensively after signing for $1.089 million. He generates good bat speed from both sides of the plate and shows good power from the left side. He has a short, quick swing but his bat needs to stay in the hitting zone longer, and he has trouble with pitches down in the zone because his stance is upright. An above-average runner, Clarke led the league with seven triples but still has work to do with his basestealing and baserunning. His best attribute right now is his defense in center field, where he covers a lot of ground and has an average arm.
Best Tools List
- Rated Best Outfield Arm in the Los Angeles Angels in 2014
- Rated Best Defensive Outfielder in the Los Angeles Angels in 2014
Scouting Reports
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Five Georgia high school players went in the 2010 draft's first round, with the Angels responsible for three of them. They tabbed Kaleb Cowart (18th overall) and Cam Bedrosian (29th) with compensation picks and used their own choice at No. 30 to select Clarke, a potential five-tool player whom they signed for $1.089 million. He's related to the Hairston family, which has produced five big leaguers, including his cousins Jerry Jr. and Scott Hairston. A switch-hitter since age 13, Clarke has unquestionable bat speed from both sides of the plate, yet he didn't dominate amateur competition. At his best, he shows average power from both sides, but he'll need to add more finish to his swing and keep his bat in the zone longer to unlock that potential. He struck out 55 times in 38 games during his pro debut, highlighting the need for enhanced pitch recognition. Clarke boasts above-average speed and arm strength and rates as at least an average defender in center field. He's far from a finished product, but in Clarke the Angels can see the outline of an all-around regular in its nascent stages. He'll spend his first full pro season in low Class A.
