Angelo Gumbs scouting report

Photo from Baseball Korea

With the recent news of the Yanks signing their 4th Round pick Angelo Gumbs to a $750,000 bonus, I thought it would be a good opportunity to get a breakdown his background and the skill set we’ve been hearing about since being drafted. Hailing from Torrance High School in California, he is a product of the RBI Baseball program who also played in the Inner City Youth Acadamy and was a 16-under Team USA invite. He’s listed as a SS/CF (which gives you an idea of his skill set) but his heart is in CF. Check out this quote from him from last year-

“I like shortstop, but I see my premium position as center field,” he said. “Center field is always where I’ve played. I love being out there running down balls.”

Here’s a scouting report from last year from Baseball Beginnings:

ANGELO GUMBS, SS-CF, Torrance HS (2010 Draft)

6-2, 180
Bats Right, Throws Right
Games Seen 1, Innings: 7 (Spring 2009, Junior year at Angel Stadium)

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Lean athletic and muscular build, strong forearms and hands, long fingers; High athletic legs; still physically maturing, like night and day between sophomore and junior years. Natural athlete.

STRENGTHS: Way above-average athletic actions. Fast arm, feet move, good arm action and footwork. 4.25 runner to 1B from RH side, fast first step, starts and stops on bases. Instinctive fielder; possess game-awareness, soft hands on defense, plus-range as SS. Fast hands at plate.

WEAKNESSES: Still growing as a hitter. A little too armsy and long with swing right now, and a little flat at times. Needs experience regularly hitting with wood against good pitching. Will need to show he can get his hands inside the good fastball. Power is a few years down the road.

SUMMARY: An athlete. Chance to be true 5-tool player, with grades 50 or better in each tool. Whippy and strong athletic body; could play SS or CF. Should become multi-platform offensive and defensive threat.

GRADES

Hit 35/50
Power 30/70
Run 50/50
Arm 60/60
Field 60/60

Overall Future Potential: 58

What the Grades Mean

Watch Angelo Gumbs Scouting Video

This is the kind of pick that illustrates the change in the Oppenheimer-Cashman philosophy over the previous regime. Extremely raw, high ceiling player that could be a star if he pans out. Exactly the type of player the Yanks should be taking if they have any intention of promoting from within. Remember this name because he’s one to follow closely, but do so with plenty of patience.