Mets Draft Target - 1B/OF - Dominic Smith

Dominic Smith is a big time power bat first baseman out of  Serra High School in California. He also projects as a future corner outfielder, a position he has already played. Lastly, he was a LHSP on his team.

We went into this mock season thinking that the last thing this team needed was a future first baseman, but drafting Smith could give the Mets the option of a future 2016 outfielder or a replacement for Ike Davis, if he continues to be inconsistent.

Either way, he comes out of high school, which means he's at least 3-4 years away.

The downside to any high school player destined for first base professionally is immense. Without speed, athleticism, and, most importantly, a defensive positional advantage over your peers, it is a really tough climb from high school standout to big league star. Going from beating up on prep pitching to knowing your future is on the line with every plate appearance isn’t for everybody. The margin of error for bat-first prospects is so small that it is really difficult to find a legitimate first round “lock” amateur first baseman in any given year. Enter Dominic Smith. I recently spoke to one of Smith’s biggest fans in the scouting community who told me, all developmental caveats understood, Smith’s realistic big league floor is Adam LaRoche. That’s crazy, right? LaRoche as a potential floor? I’ve never been first in line for the Adam LaRoche fan club or anything, but he’s had a pretty darn good career all things considered. In addition to LaRoche, I’ve also independently heard Larry Walker and the non-2001 version of Luis Gonzalez mentioned, though in each instance the players discussed were only done so in terms of ceiling. Popular industry comps (ceiling, again) include Todd Helton and Adrian Gonzalez, both (I believe) from members of the excellent staff at Perfect Game. Love comps, hate comps, have no strong feelings either way towards comps…those names mentioned speak to what those in the business think about Smith’s upside with the stick. The comparison I’d make — you know, if I was the type who enjoyed making comps — is Justin Morneau, give or take an inch or two. One last mystery comp that I think you may hear again between now and June: http://baseballdraftreport.com/tag/dominic-smith/ 

Player:  Dominic Smith
Position:  1B
School:  Serra (CA)
Date of Birth:  2/6/1995
Height/Weight:  6’1/200
Bats/Throws:  L/L
2013 Class:  HS Senior
Committed To:  Southern Cal

Scouting Report:

• Solid build
• Advanced hitter
• Hits to all fields
• Plus bat speed
• Solid power potential
• Average runner
• Plus defense at first
• Can handle a corner outfield spot
• Strong arm

link


Dominic Smith is a 2013 1B/OF/LHP with a 6-1 200 lb. frame from Los Angeles, CA who attends Serra HS. Solid well proportioned build, very good present strength. Exceptional hitting skills, sees the ball very well, keeps hands inside the ball, can foul off pitches outside at will, still learning to turn on the ball, shows pro level bat speed now with more to come, easy effortless swing. Outstanding defensive first baseman, very soft hands, polished footwork and balanced, easy actions, one of the few HS age first baseman who can impact the game defensively. Outfield arm strength plays well, outfield quickness and speed is short. Has been up to 92 mph on the mound. Confident player with a special hitting tool.  link

Observation:

You know how much I dislike high school picks early, but this is a very talented kid that can be converted to the outfield. He will most probably be around at #11 and will be long gone by the second pick. EVERYBODY has him as the top 1B prospect in this draft... by a wide margin.

'We' could do worse.