The Baseball Reporters Show Recap 6/8
Greg Beals, Ball State baseball coach, called into the show to talk about his former player 2B Kolbrin Vitek, who was selected in the 1st round (20th overall) in last night's MLB draft by the Boston Red Sox.
Tony started off by asking Greg Beals what are the Red Sox getting in 2B Kolbrin Vitek? Beals was praiseworthy of his former player and had this to say...
Beals, "Well, from a talent standpoint, you're getting a dynamic offensive player. And what I mean by that is a guy that can run and runs extremely well. He also can hit and hit for some power. You're going to see balls get hit in the gap and watch a guy run and cover 2 bases very well. He goes 1st to 3rd and home to 2nd as good as anybody I've ever coached. Offensively when he's in the batter's box, great balance and great bat speed which allows him to produce numbers and be consistent".
Kolbrin Vitek has changed positions in college and Tony asks Greg Beals about this. Beals discusses the reasoning behind changing positions and talks about some of Vitek's weaknesses...
Beals, "Defense is the thing that's just a little bit behind in the development in Kolbrin's game. I think his natural position is 3rd base. We put him at 3rd base his sophomore year and we moved him to 2nd this past year to make it a little easier on his arm in between his starts on the mound. I think 3rd is his natural position. I'm not sure that he may not end up in the outfield but I think the Red Sox are very wise. Let's give this man the chance to become a defensive player for the first time in his life".
Tony and Greg Beals think that Vitek will be MLB ready offensively in a couple seasons and that he just needs a lot of at bats in the minors. Defense is the question with this prospect, but Beals loves Kolbrin's preparation and says it won't be an issue.
The Red Sox will play game 2 of a 4 game series tonight in Cleveland. Tim Wakefield will get the start and he will face LHP David Huff.
