Atlanta Braves Newcomer: Dansby Swanson, From #1 Pick to Brave
Jun 24, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) hits an rbi ground out during the first inning against the Virginia Cavaliers in game three of the College World Series Finals at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Dansby Swanson Scouting Report
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I watched four of Swanson’s games with Hillsboro. I did pick out games where Swanson accumulated a good number of plate appearances just so I could be sure to get plenty of looks at him. His numbers in the games I viewed were 17 at bats, 8 hits, 6 runs, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 2 RBI, 2 walks, and a strikeout.
At the plate, Swanson has very good balance in his stance, even when going after a pitch that he was “fooled” by, keeping his bat in the zone, even if his feet aren’t in perfect position. I was impressed by his ability to spoil pitches that he couldn’t handle well and to really put good bat on the ball when he had a read on one.
While Swanson didn’t steal a base in the 2015 season, it is not due to a lack of speed. In fact, if anything, his speed, and not his power, will be what carries his offensive value. He’s got good gap power that his excellent speed will turn into a lot of extra base hits. I saw him turn two doubles into triples on the throw back into the infield, which is smart base running as well.
Next: 2016 outlook
On defense, Swanson played shortstop, and he flashed some impressive range in the games I viewed – certainly more range than I’d been led to believe was there. He moves particularly well to his left, and he has a particular skill in slide-and-throw. He pops up after sliding to his left with an immediate and accurate throw. I was also impressed with his throwing accuracy, though the ball to the “5.5” hole (between the shortstop and third baseman’s normal positioning) brought out a throw that three-hopped the first baseman in the only such play I got to see him make, so arm strength could be a factor down the road.