LeVon Washington Stats & Scouting Report

AB	1030
AVG	.278
OBP	.377
SLG	.405
HR	16

Full name LeVon Washington
Born 07/26/1991 in Gainesville, FL
Profile Ht.: 5'11" / Wt.: 170 / Bats: L / Throws: R
School Chipola Junior College
Drafted in the 2nd round (55th overall) by the Cleveland Guardians in 2010 (signed for $1,200,000).

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Washington is one of the biggest enigmas of the last two drafts. Born in Guam to a military family, he entered 2009 as perhaps the fastest prep talent in the country and earned Johnny Damon comparisons for his hitting ability, speed and lack of arm strength. A shoulder injury left Washington with a 20 arm on the 20-80 scale, but the Rays looked past that and his Boras Corp. representation and drafted him 30th overall. Washington failed to sign; he also failed to qualify at Florida and wound up at Chipola JC. The Indians and Washington had disappointing seasons, and scouts still don't know quite what to make of him even after another year of evaluation. Athletic and quick, Washington hasn't shown the explosive speed he once did and doesn't run hard consistently. He also didn't run on fall scout day at Chipola, and some scouts now consider him more of an above-average runner than the top-of-the-scale grades he got in the fall of 2008. His arm has improved, to a 30 grade, but he did play the outfield and should be an average defender. Clubs that like Washington are buying the bat, however. Despite a spread-out stance in which he leans over the plate, he barrels up balls consistently, thanks to excellent hand-eye coordination and quick wrists. He's not a slap hitter and would likely have to change to a more conventional stance to hit for average power. Washington doesn't figure to go as high this year but still fits inside the first two rounds.

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Organization Prospect Rankings

Washington has been highly touted since high school, but thus far he hasn't lived up to his billing. The 30th overall pick by the Rays in 2009 out of high school, he didn't sign but didn't qualify academically to play at Florida. He ended up at Chipola (Fla.) JC for the 2010 season, went back into the draft and signed with the Indians for $1.2 million as a second-round pick. Washington struggled in 2011 while battling hip and knee issues. He has good bat speed, quick hands and works the count, but he tinkered with his set-up to bad effect. After his stance got narrow and upright during the season, the Indians had him spread out more like he had in junior college and raised his hand position. He takes a big swing and can become pull-conscious, which doesn't help a player with below-average power. Washington's a 65 runner on the 20-80 scale, though his hometo- first times don't always reflect that. His reads need work in the center field, and his arm has been well below average since shoulder surgery in high school. Washington probably will start the season back in low Class A.
One of the fastest runners and best athletes in the 2009 high school draft class, Washington went 30th overall to the Rays. He didn't sign and failed to qualify academically at Florida, ending up at Chipola (Fla.) JC. Many scouts still didn't know what to make of Washington, but the Indians drafted him 55th overall and gave him $1.2 million. Washington has everything he needs to hit for a high average. He sees the ball well, recognizes spin and has a good idea of the strike zone. He has quick hands and good bat speed, routinely barreling balls. He could hit 15-20 homers per season once he's physically mature, though some scouts question his power. The Indians consider Washington a 70 runner on the 20-80 scale, but he seems to have lost a step since 2009 and his game speed seems slower than his stopwatch times. While he has the raw speed to play center field, he needs to improve his reads and has a well below-average arm. The Indians went after athletes in the 2010 draft, none with more upside than Washington. He has drawn Carl Crawford comparisons and might have the highest ceiling of anyone in the organization, though he's far from reaching it. He could spend his first full season at low Class A Lake County.