The Virtue of Versatility

October 15, 2018
Buddy Gouldsmith
Nevada Scouting Director

Players don’t always get the opportunity to play where they might profile in the future. Coaches don’t always have the luxury of displaying an individual player’s skills over playing them at a position that best serves the team. Although versatility carries value, that same versatility might detract from providing a true look into a player’s future. This future could mean a stop at a two year institution to master the requirements of a position full-time. On the other hand, smaller schools or schools with roster limitations may be drawn to the versatility. PBR Nevada looks at a few uncommitted players that might fit this profile.

Calvin Bailey, IF/OF/C, Bishop Manogue, (2019)

Lean, 5-foot-10, 145, Bailey has a thin frame with room to add weight and strength. Although he doesn’t play shortstop for his high school team much during the regular season, he was very capable during this limited look. Bailey showed good infield actions with a serviceable arm at the position. It is easy to see him at any one of the three infield positions with maturity as well as weight and strength gains. He may also have value in the outfield and could see time behind the dish. In the batter’ box, he showed a consistent opposite field approach and quick bat. A left-handed hitter, his value could play up behind the plate. He ran well and was aggressive on the bases. Bailey would be an asset to a four year institution with his versatility but could potentially secure an everyday position with a stint a two year college.

Brian Baker, 3B/1B/RHP, Galena, (2019)

6-foot-2, 205, Brian has a large frame and the mass to match. Although, he showed good actions at 3B with plenty of arm strength to stay at the position. His glove skills are playable at both first and third, range and foot speed might make the move to first base unavoidable down the line. At the plate, there is manageable length to a strength over bat speed swing resulting in consistent hard contact. Make no mistake, you are betting on the power that lies ahead. A potential middle of the order type bat. Baker plays the game the right way. In addition, Baker will toe the rubber. A steady workload and mound time may lend to a future there as well.

Kahle Good, 3B/1B/C, Carson, (2019)

Stocky, 5-foot-8, 160, Good has a compact build. He has serviceable actions at several positions but appears most at home at corner infield. He is a take charge defender that wants the ball. Instincts and toughness play up in reaction first situations. At the plate, he maintains an approach above his build, swinging aggressively with playable length. He looks to pull but will adjust with 2 strikes. He has played every infield positon serviceably, including catcher. A limited look behind the plate offered a potential future. Good’s versatility would no doubt be an asset to a college program but might be best suited to a two year institution to hone his skills at a specific position.

Isaac Tecson, 3B/1B, Reed (2019)

Mature, 6-foot-1, 185. Tecson has an athletic build. Limited projection with the exception of weight as the frame will hold more weight. He fielded well at 3B, showing solid actions and enough arm to stay at the position. He displayed versatility playing 1B late, picking numerous balls in the dirt. He had a good swing, with a middle to opposite field approach, staying inside the ball regularly. Tecson is a solid runner and showed instincts for dirt ball reads. A corner infield/outfield type player, He will need the advantage of facing next level pitching to determine his power potential. His ability to get to his power will provide insight to his positional future.