152 replies to this topic

[sodenj5]

Will Middlebrooks

BORN: September 9, 1988

FROM: Texarkana, TX

HEIGHT: 6'4"

WEIGHT: 200

BATS: Right

THROWS: Right

DRAFTED: 5th Round, 2007

SCHOOL: Liberty-Eylau HS (TX)





Excellent "2-way" 5-tool prospect out of Texas drafted by the Red Sox in the 5th Round of the 2007 Draft. He was scouted as both an infielder and a pitching prospects by teams. Played at both SS and 3B in the field. Although he has tremendous potential as a pitcher, with a low 90's fastball, power curve and a changeup that registers in the mid 70's, it is expected that Boston has drafted him as a third baseman. Mainly because of the fact the Middlebrooks' potential with the bat is a far greater resource for this organization. Boston's organizational depth at 3B is shallow, and if/when Middlebrooks signs with the Red Sox, he will give them a big boost in that area. He was projected as a high-round draft pick, but dropped due to signability issues and a commitment to play for Texas A&M.

As a third base prospect, Middlebrooks is an overall great athelete. He was a football star in Texas, playing QB, K, and P, and winning awards in 2005 such as THSF 3A Region II 1st Team Punter, THSF 3A Region II 1st Team Kicker, All-State Punter, All-District Punter and Quarterback, and in 2007 was 1st Team Shortstop Class 3A, an All-State selection at both SS and P, and was named the Class 3A Player of the Year by the Texas Sports Writers Association, all while sporting a 4.0 GPA and being a member of the National Honor Society. As a hitter, Middlebrooks has great power potential, and consistently makes good contact with the ball. As a fielder, he has good hands and above average arm strength and accuracy, but slightly below average range.

Will Middlebrooks' Sox Prospect Page



STATISTICS


As a pitcher for Liberty-Eylau in 2007:

13 wins, 0 losses, 81.0 IP, 0.86 ERA, 7 CGs, 2 Shutouts, 147 Ks, and 12.25 K/BB.


As a hitter for Liberty-Eylau in 2007:

.555 AVG, .664 OBP, .927 SLG, 1.592 OPS, 5 HR, 22 2B, 48 RBIS, 22 SBs.



SCOUTING OPINIONS

Minor League Baseball's Draft Report

Middlebrooks is a legitimate two-way threat. Aside from running speed, he possesses the tools scouts like to see at the plate (and on the mound).

Sox Prospects Scouting Report

Excellent athlete both with the bat and as a pitcher. Probably the best talent selected by the Red Sox in the 2007 draft.

Baseball America had Middlebrooks ranked at #27 on June 5th, 2007, based on talent alone, and was ranked #36 out of the top 100 prospects going into the draft.

...has drawn comparisons to Scott Rolen for his size and strength that profile well at third base.

From MLB.com Draft Tracker.

At the plate, he's got some serious power potential with the kind of frame teams like to see from a future run producer at the hot corner.

Middlebrooks pre-draft video, courtesy of MLB.com.

Scroll down to pick #174. 400k on the far right.

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

Did he sign? I haven't seen anything.

[Cuzittt]

Did he sign? I haven't seen anything.

Not yet... but there is every expectation he will. Of course, if he doesn't... the thread will be closed.

[Nixon For President]

Hardballtimes has a short analysis of Middlebrooks, with video analysis of his pitching motion. They don't seem to be big fans of him.

Middlebrooks didn't impress me with his defense and swing. Luckily, he was drafted as a pitcher—where he still didn't impress me....

[LondonSox]

Well frankly that's poop I claimed him but for Karma's sake didn't start the thread until he signed but hey I hope for the sake of us all you didn't jinx it

[Steve Dillard]

Luckily, he was drafted as a pitcher—

Well, as for being current on information about him and the Sox plans, they score an F

[redinchicago]

Hardballtimes has a short analysis of Middlebrooks, with video analysis of his pitching motion. They don't seem to be big fans of him.

Let's just say that this is one guy's opinion. It's probably not a 'perfect' pitching motion, but the talent is obviously there. He's raw, like most HS arms. I'm sure this guy wouldn't have liked Michael Bowden's mechanics either....

[sodenj5]

I think Hardball Times can keep their opinions. It sounds like they scouted him mainly as a pitcher, because they don't really go into his defense or hitting, but go into a detailed breakdown of his mechanics and his potential as a pitcher. Maybe because they erroneously assumed that the Red Sox intend to develop Middlebrooks as a pitcher instead of the third baseman that most seem to think that they drafted him to be. Either way, I think he's a keeper.

[ChadBradfordWannabe]

Hi all, this is Carlos Gomez, author of the THT article. MLB.com says P Will Middlebrooks, so I assumed that he was drafted as a pitcher. The main point of this exercise on the draft is to try to analyze mechanics without trying to dig up too much information that may influence my analysis. I know that's stupid (in a way), but that's part of the exercise. Mea culpa. I'll try to fix the article and include a Middlebrooks review as a hitter in part 5 of the article.

Sorry Red Sox Nation, I f'd up. LOL
Sincerely,
Carlos

[nwcajun]

Middlebrooks named Texas' 3A POY for second year in a row:
Quote:

Liberty-Eylau pitcher/shortstop Will Middlebrooks has been named the Class 3A Player of the Year for the second straight season by the Texas Sports Writers Association.

Middlebrooks, who batted .576 during the regular season, was 13-0 on the mound, including a complete-game victory over Sinton in the state semifinals, was selected to the TSWA first team as a pitcher. He was also nominated at shortstop, but had to settle for honorable mention at that position.

L-E’s two-sport standout, who was also named a second-team All-America utility player by Baseball America, was drafted in the fifth round with the Boston Red Sox, but has still not decided whether to turn professional or honor an earlier commitment to Texas A&M.

http://www.texarkana.../04/sports4.php

Edited by nwcajun, 04 July 2007 - 12:01 PM.

[sodenj5]

Hi all, this is Carlos Gomez, author of the THT article. MLB.com says P Will Middlebrooks, so I assumed that he was drafted as a pitcher. The main point of this exercise on the draft is to try to analyze mechanics without trying to dig up too much information that may influence my analysis. I know that's stupid (in a way), but that's part of the exercise. Mea culpa. I'll try to fix the article and include a Middlebrooks review as a hitter in part 5 of the article.

Sorry Red Sox Nation, I f'd up. LOL
Sincerely,
Carlos

Try not to be so smug on the new one. We'll be reading.

[Lucen]

Hi all, this is Carlos Gomez, author of the THT article. MLB.com says P Will Middlebrooks, so I assumed that he was drafted as a pitcher. The main point of this exercise on the draft is to try to analyze mechanics without trying to dig up too much information that may influence my analysis. I know that's stupid (in a way), but that's part of the exercise. Mea culpa. I'll try to fix the article and include a Middlebrooks review as a hitter in part 5 of the article.

Sorry Red Sox Nation, I f'd up. LOL
Sincerely,
Carlos

Thanks for the update. I'm looking forward to reading part 5.

[ChadBradfordWannabe]

Thanks for the update. I'm looking forward to reading part 5.

Part 5 is done and will probably be posted on Monday (hopefully). In addition to re-evaluating Middlebrooks the hitter, you'll find reviews on Hagadone and Bailey, the Sox 16th round pick.

Carlos

[sodenj5]

From Soxprospects' Q&A chat with Jim Callis of Baseball America:

SP: Will Middlebrooks was a popular draft choice among Red Sox fans. Where will he play as a professional: third base, shortstop, or pitcher? Please describe his overall strengths and weaknesses.

JC: Third base. He's a very good athlete for his size, but I don't think he's fluid enough to be a big league shortstop. He might play there a little if he does attend Texas A&M, but he'll be a third baseman down the line. He's very athletic for that position, and has the size (6-foot-4 and 215 pounds) and strength to hit for a lot of power. He may need a little time to adjust to pro pitching, but there are no glaring flaws with his swing.

SP: How would you rank the following players in terms of round value - Will Middlebrooks, David Mailman, Kade Keowen, Justin Grimm, Jacob Cowan, Austin Bailey, Matt Presley, and Yasmani Grandal?

JC: I would have rated those players in this order: Middlebrooks, Grandal, Grimm, Presley, Mailman, Keowen, Cowan, Bailey. I like Middlebrooks easily the most of that group, and I think getting a talent like that in the fifth round should be the best value when all is said and done.

[nwcajun]

excerpt from THT today:

"That said, Middlebrooks is a project who needs a lot of work with his swing. Overrated..."

I guess all those scouts over all those months were wrong! Amazing what this guy has determined so quickly! Sounds like poor Middlebrooks was just plain lucky to hit over .500 this year. Time will tell.


http://www.hardballt...derrated-picks/

[Nixon For President]

excerpt from THT today:

"That said, Middlebrooks is a project who needs a lot of work with his swing. Overrated..."

Yeah, I don't know what to think of that, frankly. Is CBW just looking at the two short videos for his analysis, or does he have access to a lot more? The one video of the game-swing looks like he's reaching for a change-up. I think it's probably a lot harder to judge a hitter with one or two videos than it is a pitcher, because the hitter is naturally reacting to what is thrown to him. Everyone has an ugly swing now and then.

[sodenj5]

Hey, if he wants to make an analysis of Middlebrooks' swing looking at one clip where he's out in front of a changeup and another while he's taking a BP cut, so be it. This is the same guy who thought he was going to be a pitcher, and picked apart his mechanics. He's obviously a project, but he projects to be a sweet swinging third baseman, where he doesn't need to "look so smooth defensively."

As several Red Sox fans pointed out to me, Middlebrooks was drafted as a shortstop. That said, Middlebrooks didn't look very smooth defensively.

Call me crazy, but I thought we all told him he was drafted as a 3rd baseman.

[nwcajun]

Well, he worked out for the Red Sox today in an indoor facility in Texarkana. It's their opinion that counts with him.

[amarshal2]

excerpt from THT today:

"That said, Middlebrooks is a project who needs a lot of work with his swing. Overrated..."

I guess all those scouts over all those months were wrong! Amazing what this guy has determined so quickly! Sounds like poor Middlebrooks was just plain lucky to hit over .500 this year. Time will tell.
http://www.hardballt...derrated-picks/

I'm no scout but I like his scouting video. He's got exceptionally quick hands. That type of stuff means more to me than swing mechanics, which I don't know enough about. When I think of other highly regarded third basemen with exceptionally quick hands and an unorthodox swing (not saying Will's swing is unorthodox) Ryan Bruan comes to mind. He's doing pretty well for himself! Anyways, I remember when they said Lowrie's swing wasn't designed for power, that hasn't been true so far. If Will had a big hitch, a big uppercut, or a long swing I'd be concerned...but he doesn't appear to have any of those. "Looks to extend too much?" "Tries to get the ball out in front of the plate too much?" Isn't that another way of saying that he's primarily a pull hitter? Aren't most high school kids pull hitters? A high school hitter has a "high school swing"? Is this even news? FWIW I like Carlos, I just disagree.

I'm actually disappointed to hear that Will worked out for the Red Sox today. I was hoping that he was already close to signing but that we wouldn't hear about it with the Commish's office keeping it quiet until Aug. 15.

Call me crazy, but I thought we all told him he was drafted as a 3rd baseman.

You know the Red Sox, if rosters work they'll keep him at the more difficult position until he proves he can't play it.

Edited by amarshal2, 10 July 2007 - 05:56 PM.

[OCD SS]

Hey, if he wants to make an analysis of Middlebrooks' swing looking at one clip where he's out in front of a changeup and another while he's taking a BP cut, so be it. This is the same guy who thought he was going to be a pitcher, and picked apart his mechanics. He's obviously a project, but he projects to be a sweet swinging third baseman, where he doesn't need to "look so smooth defensively."

Don't shoot the messenger. The premise of CBW's series of articles is to do the analysis from what (little) MLB provides. To a certain extent it makes sense to me as most of us are not scouts and don't know what the heck we're looking at in these short, grainy, low-res clips. I think there's some value in having a pro look at the clips and tell us what he sees, rather than just imposing the BA scouting report onto them.

Frankly, we should expect any kid taken out of HS to be a project, so I don't think the fact that he didn't fall all over himself to fellate Middlebrooks should be considered a condemnation; that's outside the scope of his project.

[amarshal2]

Don't shoot the messenger. The premise of CBW's series of articles is to do the analysis from what (little) MLB provides. To a certain extent it makes sense to me as most of us are not scouts and don't know what the heck we're looking at in these short, grainy, low-res clips. I think there's some value in having a pro look at the clips and tell us what he sees, rather than just imposing the BA scouting report onto them.

Frankly, we should expect any kid taken out of HS to be a project, so I don't think the fact that he didn't fall all over himself to fellate Middlebrooks should be considered a condemnation; that's outside the scope of his project.

I think the biggest thing to note is that he's basing his reports off of these low-res grainy clips. I kind of take it with a grain of salt compared to an aggregate scouting report from multiple scouts.

I don't get it. He loved Austin Bailey (also a Sox draftee) for his upside despite the fact that Bailey has raw mechanics and showed no ability to throw a breaking pitch or command his fastball (in that video). I didn't like Bailey in his video at all...but I'll defer to BA.

Edited by amarshal2, 10 July 2007 - 06:06 PM.

[sodenj5]

Well, he worked out for the Red Sox today in an indoor facility in Texarkana. It's their opinion that counts with him.

You have any link for that, or are you privey to some classified information? Either way, I think that's good news.

[nwcajun]

You have any link for that, or are you privey to some classified information? Either way, I think that's good news.

I have a connection in Texarkana.

[amarshal2]

I have a connection in Texarkana.

Did anyone say how the workout went? Do you know who from the Sox was present? They often have everybody (Epstein, McCleod, Baird, the Sports Psychologist, etc) see/talk to a player before they make a significant offer.

[nwcajun]

Did anyone say how the workout went? Do you know who from the Sox was present? They often have everybody (Epstein, McCleod, Baird, the Sports Psychologist, etc) see/talk to a player before they make a significant offer.

No news yet, and no big visiting group either.

[sodenj5]

Quick update on Middlebrooks from Jim Callis in an ESPN Sportsnation Chat:

Zach (Newton, MA): Jim, please handicap the Red Sox siging Middlebrooks, Tepesch and Grandal. Also, is Dent signing a foregone conclusion?

Jim Callis: I think the Red Sox will sign Will Middlebrooks, a supplemental first-round talent who fell to the fifth round because of signability. They won't sign Nick Tepesch, a similar talent who'd determined to attend Missouri. Yasmani Grandal is another similar talent (I'd put them in this order: Middlebrooks, Tepesch, Grandal) but if he holds to a seven-figure price tag, he won't sign. The deal for Ryan Dent, who actually did go in the supplemental first round, is pretty much done.

Sounds like Middlebrooks is basically going to be Lars '07. Unfortunetly, that also means we likely won't see him take the field until 2008.

Edit-Link.

Edited by sodenj5, 25 July 2007 - 03:21 PM.

[asphyxiation]

I just noticed this in a little recap of the signing situations across the league and hadn't noticed it anywhere else.

Boston Red Sox: With no first round pick, Boston quickly signed its first pick in the supplemental first round: Washington University lefty Nick Hagadone. The club also signed prep pitcher Brock Huntzinger (3rd round) and Southeastern Louisiana hurler Chris Province (4th round). However, five other top 10 picks remain unsigned, including high school hitters Ryan Dent and Hunter Morris. Dent is most likely signable, while Morris could be headed to Auburn University. Fifth round pick Will Middlebrooks is a player who has reportedly agreed to contract, but the club is waiting until the deadline to announce the over-slot deal.

Baseball Analysts


Anyone have any news?

[amarshal2]

Per soxprospects on soxprospects.com, it appears as though Will's signing is imminent.

link to thread on soxprospects.com

[nwcajun]

Per soxprospects on soxprospects.com, it appears as though Will's signing is imminent.

link to thread on soxprospects.com

Will is in Boston until Friday.

[amarshal2]

Will is in Boston until Friday.

Good news. I should have noted that soxprospects pulled back a bit on his initial statement, though it still appears likely.

[sodenj5]

Some stuff to chew on as we patiently await news on Will's status:

According to xtrainnings.net, Middlebrooks had the following stats this year, and where he ranked in the Texas area, as of 5/25/07:

.576 average (1st, minimum of 50 at bats)
47 runs (tied 4th)
53 hits (1st)
40 RBIs (4th)
19 doubles (1st)
2 triples (tied 7th)
19 SBs (5th)

11-0 Record as a pitcher (1st in wins)
0.89 ERA (2nd, minimum of 28 innings pitched)
122 Ks (2nd)

Fire Brand of the American League interviewed Middlebrooks, and cited his final line of the season being .555/.664/.927 in 110 at-bats, and a 13-0 record, giving up just 10 earned runs while posting a 0.86 ERA in 81 innings.

I love to pitch, but I would play short before pitching any day.

[sodenj5]

According to soxprospects.com, Will Middlebrooks has said he's signed with the Red Sox. No contract info yet.

Edit-spelling.

Edited by sodenj5, 15 August 2007 - 10:39 PM.

[sodenj5]

Red Sox announced that they signed Middlebrooks for $925,000, which is early supplemental first round money.


From Baseball America

After signing high school first basemen Anthony Rizzo (sixth round, $325,000) and David Mailman (seventh round, $550,000) earlier on Deadline Day, the Red Sox have announced four more over-slot signings.

Most notably, Boston landed fifth-round third baseman Will Middlebrooks, considered to be a supplemental first-round talent for $925,000.

Also, a link to Soxprospects.com's breakdown of the signing.

[nwcajun]

Middlebrooks is flying into Ft Myers today with Drake Britton.

[sodenj5]

Middlebrooks is on the active roster for the Gulf Coast League Red Sox. He's currently listed at SS, but he has yet to see any game action. On a team with Ryan Dent and Chih-Hsiang Huang already listed at SS, and Darren Blocker listed at 3B, I would think they have to be moving him to third, and he's only listed as a SS due to the fact that he played there in high school, and he has yet to actually play a game at third yet.

Link.

[SouthPaw21]

Jim Callis talked about Middlebrooks in his ESPN Insider chat today...

Dan (Ankeny Iowa): Jim, if you had to pick three guys drafted after the 4th round in this years draft to make a real impact in the majors who would those three be?

SportsNation Jim Callis: (2:21 PM ET ) I assume I can only take guys who signed, too. I'll go with Will Middlebrooks (Boston, 5th), Jack McGeary (Washington, 6th) and Jake Arrieta (Baltimore, 5th).

[nwcajun]

Link to minorleaguebaseball.com article:
http://www.minorleag...r...b&fext=.jsp

Edited by nwcajun, 01 October 2007 - 08:55 AM.

[SouthPaw21]

According to the MiLB.com article in the post above, it appears the Red Sox will leave Middlebrooks at shortstop, for not atleast...

"Middlebrooks is going to play short," Cherington said. "He's going to be a big kid. We'll see what happens down the road, but he's very athletic, with quick feet, good hands and plenty of arm strength, so we'll give him the chance to stay at short."

[Imgran]

Frankly I kind of liked that pitching line. Kinda hard to tell which would be more valuable, a quality starting arm or a 5 tool infielder, but I guess maybe his ceiling wasn't as high on the mound.

Pity there's not enough hours in the day for him to keep current on both, come in in relief sometimes you know. Position players do pitch sometimes after all and having a "secret weapon" stirs the tiny embers of what's left of my creativity.

[nwcajun]

Yesterday in Ft Myers, Middlebrooks was 3/3, with a double, 2 singles, 2 RBI, and 2 stolen bases vs. the Twins.

[amarshal2]

According to the MiLB.com article in the post above, it appears the Red Sox will leave Middlebrooks at shortstop, for not atleast...

Very typical Red Sox move. They like to leave a guy at a position until he proves he can't play it. It will be interesting to see how the AB's are divided up next year between Middlebrooks, Dent, and Tejeda. Since he didn't play at all this year the best guess is that Middlebrooks won't make Greenville out of spring training. Not sure what they will do with the other two. Since they've both played at Lowell they both probably have a good chance to start in full-season ball.

[sodenj5]

Agreed. Same thing they did with Pedroia, and the same thing they're doing with Lowrie, although Lowrie seems like he has a chance to stick at SS. Leave him at the more valuable position to keep his trade value as high as possible, until they decide what to do with him. He may not see 3B until Double A.

[sodenj5]

Frankly I kind of liked that pitching line. Kinda hard to tell which would be more valuable, a quality starting arm or a 5 tool infielder, but I guess maybe his ceiling wasn't as high on the mound.

Pity there's not enough hours in the day for him to keep current on both, come in in relief sometimes you know. Position players do pitch sometimes after all and having a "secret weapon" stirs the tiny embers of what's left of my creativity.

I think with him having to focus only on being a positional player now, as opposed to playing shortstop, hitting, pitching, and football, he's going to bloom as a positional player rather quickly.

[OttoC]

Since he didn't play at all this year the best guess is that Middlebrooks won't make Greenville out of spring training.

What do they do with him? Let him sit until mid-June? Extended spring training until then?

[stroshow3]

What do they do with him? Let him sit until mid-June? Extended spring training until then?

XST until a spot opens up/he's earned it (ala Reddick) or until the GCL or NYPL start up (ala Kalish).

[sodenj5]

Soxprospects conducted an interview with Mike Hazen, the Red Sox Director of Player Development.

2 quick mention of Middlebrooks in the interview:

SP: How does the organization intend to manage middle-infield playing time next season between Ryan Dent, Will Middlebrooks, Yamaico Navarro, and Oscar Tejeda?

MH: Great question, one I do not have an answer to as of yet, we will make those decisions during the course of the off-season. Will be tough decisions, although part of our goal will be to ensure that all of those players get everyday AB’s somewhere.

SP: Have any particular players stood out in the Fall Instructional League in terms of development?

MH: I think the overall group, with regard to athleticism and size, was extremely impressive overall. Our middle infield was very athletic with Tejeda, Navarro, Middlebrooks, Roque, and Dent, and some of our younger corner players impressed as well. Greenville would project to look somewhat similar to the 2007 team in terms of age/experience which is always exciting from our standpoint -- although you never know how that is going to translate in the win/loss column.

[sodenj5]

Middlebrooks is ranked #14 in the system by Jim Callis and was given the Best Infield Arm in Baseball America's Top Tools.
LINK.

Edited by sodenj5, 05 January 2008 - 12:16 PM.

[SouthPaw21]

In a recent ESPN chat, Jim Callis talked about Sox prospect Will Middlebrooks...

Ray: Cranston RI: What kind of ceiling do you think Will Middlebrooks has? Top prospect or just middle of the road?

Jim Callis: (2:11 PM ET ) Top prospect. I don't see Middlebrooks staying at shortstop, but I think he'll be an athletic third baseman with a productive bat.

[sodenj5]

Will Middlebrooks is going to start the season in extended spring training.

[sodenj5]

Middlebrooks is likely to stay in XST until the Lowell Spinners start their season.

Tough to keep updated on him since there really are no reports or stats that come from XST.