Drafted in the 2nd round (54th overall) by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008 (signed for $737,000).
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Dykstra is a righthanded version of his dad, former major leaguer Len Dykstra, who starred with the Mets and Phillies in the 1980s and 90s. The younger Dykstra is a terrific athlete, finishing first in the SPARQ testing at the 2007 Area Code games in Long Beach and running the 60 in 6.58 seconds. An offense-first prospect, he uses his speed aggressively. He has a balanced stance at the plate and can hammer pitches middle in. He has outstanding power for a player his size, and his excellent bat speed produces both line-drive and loft power. While his frame is strong, well developed and athletic, Dykstra has little physical projection. Of greater concern with Dykstra is defense, as he's moved from shortstop to center field. He's not a natural fit at either spot with an adequate arm. The UCLA signee had late helium and could go in the first three rounds.
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Dykstra is a chip off the old block, the son of former all-star and agitator Lenny Dykstra. The major difference is that Cutter bats righthanded and played shortstop until moving to center field at the end of his high school career. He was slowed by a groin injury after signing for $737,000 as a second-rounder in June. A terrific athlete, Dykstra finished first in the SPARQ performance testing at the 2007 Area Code Games. He has excellent bat speed and some loft in his swing, giving him surprising power for his size. He has good balance and a compact stroke, hitting the ball mostly to left and center field. He has plus-plus speed and is very aggressive on the bases. Dykstra has fringy arm strength, which is why he couldn't have played shortstop in pro ball. His arm will be tested in center field, and he's still in the early stages of learning the position. He doesn't project to grow physically but can get by with his athleticism and aggressiveness, much like his father. His move to center is good for both him and the Brewers, who are a bit thin at that position after trading Brantley and Darren Ford last season. Dykstra could move through the system quickly and will start 2009 in low Class A.
Minor League Top Prospects
A second-rounder in June, Dykstra was the highest draft pick to qualify for this list. He has excellent athleticism and is an advanced hitter for a teenager, which isn't surprising because he's the son of former all-star Lenny Dykstra. Dykstra has plus bat speed and good power with loft in his swing. He has a balanced stance with a high hand position and a short, compact backswing. Most of his power is to left and center field, as he hammers pitches from the middle in but isn't as effective with pitches on the outer half. Though he was slowed by a groin injury this summer, Dykstra has plus speed and is aggressive in all aspects of the game--just like his father was. He's still getting used to playing center field after moving from shortstop as a high school senior last spring.
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