Thinking about Dante Bichette

By On February 3, 2012 · 14 Comments · In Prospects

The Yankees’ selection of Dante Bichette Jr. with their sandwich-round pick (compensation for Javier Vazquez) was a surprising one to most people who follow the draft closely, as many people expected the Bombers to go after a higher-rated, more expensive prospect.  When he was drafted, there were many criticisms of his swing mechanics, athleticism, and defensive ability, as well as accusations of nepotism (since Joe Girardi is friends with Dante Jr’s father, a former MLB’er).   Many people were wondering why the Yankees would bother using an early pick on what some genius described a future Shelley Duncan type.

Fortunately for the Yankees, Bichette’s less than impressive pre-draft ranking on Baseball America was not truly representative of his talents.  He signed quickly and tore up the rookie-level Gulf Coast League, winning league MVP by hitting .342/.446/.505 with 3 homers in 52 games, with 30 walks against 41 strikeouts.  Bichette earned league MVP honors for his performance, as well as a promotion to Staten Island for the end of the season (where he went 1 for 7 with a home run).  All in all, a very strong debut for a player known to have solid power potential and a great work ethic.  Also heartening were reports that his defense at the hot corner had improved, perhaps to the point where it was no longer certain that he would have to move off the position.

Bichette earned many honors for his performance in 2011, not only winning the GCL MVP but was also named the top prospect in the league by Baseball America.  He is probably the #5 or so prospect in the Yankee system at this point (behind Banuelos, Sanchez, Betances, Williams, and Campos), with plenty of room to move up the list if he continues his strong performance.  He will likely start 2012 in Charleston, a significant step up in competition, which should provide a true test of his talents.

Going forward, Bichette will need to maintain his disciplined approach at the plate as he moves up throughout the minors, and hopefully he will continue to turn his power potential into power production on the field.  Continuing to show improvement at 3rd base will also be important, since his bat would be less valuable at a corner outfield position (or at 1st base).  I don’t expect him to OPS near 1.000 like he did in the GCL, but I’d consider an OPS of .850, solid plate discipline, and a fair share of home runs and doubles to be a successful season.  He very well could be the Yankees’ 3rd-baseman of the future if everything goes according to plan, since by the time he hits the majors Alex Rodriguez will likely have moved to DH.  There have been several interviews of Bichette published recently (one by YES and one by Nomaas) that are worth checking out, which give a good sense of the drive and work ethic that this kid has.

 
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14 Responses to Thinking about Dante Bichette

  1. Craig Maduro says:
    February 3, 2012 at 7:01 pm

    Bichette will play most – if not all – of 2012 as a 19 yr old so an .850 OPS at Low-A would be a lot more than solid. It would be absolutely outstanding.

    Reply
    • Eric Schultz says:
      February 3, 2012 at 7:04 pm

      Yeah, that’s probably setting the bar a little too high for success. Holding his own average-wise and continuing to show the secondary skills (walking and power) is my primary concern at this juncture.

      Reply
      • Craig Maduro says:
        February 3, 2012 at 7:10 pm

        Yea, I think even a .750 OPS with some of the things you mentioned would be a very successful 2012 for Bichette. That’d probably put him in a position to repeat the level and earn a quick promotion in 2013.

        Reply
        • Eric Schultz says:
          February 3, 2012 at 7:22 pm

          Agreed.

          Reply
          • Michael P. says:
            February 4, 2012 at 4:19 pm

            Well didn’t most people expect him to come in and do well with the stick, especially early because of his advanced approach and upbringing? That he is hitting is good, but I am more concerned defensively since I heard there was talk to moving him to outfield. Given the lack of corner infielders in the Yankees system I really hope Bichette and Tyler Austin can stick at 3rd.

            Reply
            • SDM says:
              February 4, 2012 at 9:21 pm

              Not really, people were saying that after he destroyed the GCL. I recall people saying that his constantly changing swing mechanics would give him trouble against “real competition”

              Reply
  2. Reggie C. says:
    February 3, 2012 at 8:07 pm

    Much better pick than Cito Culver.

    /toosoon?

    Reply
    • robert says:
      February 3, 2012 at 9:55 pm

      You do know that Culver is only 19 .So calling him a bust is a little too early.

      Reply
      • Scout says:
        February 4, 2012 at 10:07 am

        I don’t believe calling Culver an overdraft is the same thing as calling him a bust. Bichette Jr. was ranked significantly higher than was Culver before their respective drafts. It is reasonable to question whether Bichette Jr. would have been around by the time the Yankees picked again. The odds that Culver could have been had later were much better — and, frankly, if he had not been, the Yankees could still have taken Gumbs, who is at least as promising. I still hope that Culver proves to be a decent major league player, and some scouting reports suggest he will be.

        Reply
  3. Michael P. says:
    February 4, 2012 at 4:02 pm

    I know this is off topic but seeing as how this post is about prospects I would like to know a little more about Adam Warren and David Phelps. Are they Ross Ohlendorf/Jeff Karstens guys or do they actually have potential to surprise like Nova did? I know DJ Mitchell projects as more of a long man. If Hughes doesn’t pitch like a 4 or 5, then I would honestly rather move him to the pen where he was outstanding and see one of these two called up. Maybe they would be able to do the same thing while strengthening our already impressive bullpen.

    I would much rather see Phelps, Warren, and Mitchell up if the 5th spor becomes a mess, or if Nova falters. At least before Betances and especially Banuelos. Those three are at least ready innings wise, no need to rush our pitching prospects with higher upside.

    Reply
    • Eric Schultz says:
      February 5, 2012 at 11:38 am

      They’re probably somewhat in the middle of being Ohlendorf/Karstens types and a Nova type (at least what Nova currently is). They’re probably not more than #4-5 guys at best, but could be useful as depth and trade bait. I think they are ahead of Banuelos and Betances in terms of being called up this year which I think is the right move, since both Dellin and Manny still have things to work on in AAA.

      Reply
  4. bpdelia says:
    February 4, 2012 at 7:46 pm

    Just one thing ive noticed by reading these interviews. The Yankees have clearly made an effort to prioritize work ethic and intelligence early in the draft the last few years. Whether that is some internal analysis that tells them that there is greater success with character guys or a reaction to some issues with recent high draft Pi ks i don’t know.
    I do know it makes it easier for me to root for them. Cote, Davis, bichette, Culver, Austin and Campos interviews all showed very very mature, dedicated intelligent well spoken and yeah NICe teenagers. As well as guys who have a clear ability to self analyze and adjust. All seem to be guys capable of analyzing and talking about mechanics. This includes Williams too. I’m excited about Sanchez and am hopeful for heathcott but this group of cave, cote, Austin, gumbs, Williams, advise, Culver, bichette, pinder? Man what a group of head on straight teenager/ young 20s guys. Having played ball from a young age, through college at DI and even now in wood bat leagues i honestly think outside of absolute freak talents (Upton, Strasbourg, Arod, Harper beltre) type guys the wheat is separated by work ethic and the intelligence to self analyze and adjust.

    Throwing banuelos and bettances (both ALSO super high character guys) I’ve never been more impressed with a group of young players in this organization. And ive been a prospect watcher a long long time

    Reply
    • Eric Schultz says:
      February 5, 2012 at 11:39 am

      It is definitely interesting, they do seem to have focused on high-makeup guys in recent years (though Heathcott and Cole could be considered possible exceptions). Work ethic is certainly something that scouts look for in players, but unlike speed, power, or fastball velocity, is intangible, so it can be difficult to ascertain.

      Reply
  5. bpdelia says:
    February 4, 2012 at 10:32 pm

    Yup. Like cal ripken. His constantly changing,mechanics did him in. mattingly too that was a disaster. Just imagine if arod,had used consistent swing mechanics…..hed be an,inner circle first ballot,hofer!!
    You can overthink and adjust but an,inability to make slight mechAnical,tweaks is a straight up death sentence. If you are successful you will be pitched differently and it requires mechanical adjustments if you go from seeing inside fastballs to being fed fasyballs up. No mechanics work for everything (aside from maybe the molitor style totally still no stride wrist guys but rhat only works for fast guys, elite contact guys and jeff bagwell). A guy who can,afjust on his own,is huge.

    Reply

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