We bring a newer name to the top side of the list, a sign of hope in the future, in Desmond Lindsay, the speedy outfielder from Out-Of-Door Academy in Northern Florida. Our top pick in the 2015 Draft, 53rd overall, is an unknown commodity with a high ceiling, but he can definitely hit. Apologies, but this may be shorter than the rest. We recently did an interview with him, done by Michael Mayer.
Ht: 6’0″ Wt: 200 B/T: R/R Age: 1/15/1997 (19)
2015 Level: Rookie GCL Mets/SS-A Brooklyn Cyclones
Stats: 35 G, 134 PA, 114 AB, 7 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 3 SB, 18/40 BB/K, .263/.364/.386
The latest top pick drafted out of high school in the Sandy Alderson regime, and probably the highest ceiling out of the four, Lindsay is very much a boom or bust type of prospect. Drafted from the of Out-of-door Academy in Sarasota, Florida in the 2nd round at 53rd overall, Lindsay was considered a first round caliber prospect but dropped due to injury concerns. While he dominated in the year before the draft, earning Most Valuable Player honors at the Perfect Game under-17 and several other accolades, Lindsay only played in limited games in the infield and at first base because of hamstring issues.
oneminutesports.com
After Lindsay signed with the Mets on June 18th, his hamstring injury lingered keeping Desmond out for over a month. He started playing for the Gulf Coast League on July 24th, hitting .304/.400/.464 with 4 doubles, 2 triples, and a homer in 21 games. The Mets were so thrilled with Lindsay, that they sent him to Short-season A Brooklyn. However, statistically, he did not do well with a .200/.308/.267 line, and 3 doubles in 14 games, and struck out in 42% of his at bats.
In terms of scouting report, Lindsay is an intriguing power-speed profile. A plus to plus-plus runner, Lindsay is very fast, and will likely steal many bases as he ascends the latter, although the hamstring has caused a few worries. Lindsay has the ability to hit for above-average contact, using a quick bat, the opposite field, and a patient approach at the plate that will produce good on-base percentages. Desmond also has above-average raw power that he can tap into if he turns on the ball a bit more.
As for defensively, he is fast enough for center field, but he is raw, since he was an infielder for most of his high school career Right now he will likely not take the best routes to find these fly balls, and may outrun them at times as well. His arm will play in center, and rates out as an average throwing arm that will be adequate.
In total, this is a high ceiling package, and one that we believe will return to Brooklyn, or even maybe, if he impresses in the back fields during spring training, he could find himself on the fast track to Columbia’s inaugural season.
Previous Prospects on the Top 80:
#8 Luis Carpio #9 Marcos Molina, #10 Robert Gsellman, #11 Logan Verrett, #12 Seth Lugo, #13 Jhoan Urena, #14 Gabriel Ynoa, #15 Ali Sanchez, #16 Luis Guillorme, #17 Chris Flexen, #18 Max Wotell, #19 Milton Ramos, #20 Akeel Morris, 25-21, 30-26 35-31, 40-36, 45-41, 50-46, 60-51, 70-61, 80-71
Ted’s Prospect Extras:
Last 5 top draft picks that were outfielders:
- 2015 Desmond Lindsay 53rd overall
- 2014 Michael Conforto 10th overall
- 2011 Brandon Nimmo 13th overall
- 2003 Lastings Milledge 12th overall
- 1998 Jason Tyner 21st overall
Looking forward to watching him become our own Adam Jones
I think that is his best possible outcome, hadn’t thought of that comparison yet. I would like to see him 100 games before I prop him up too much.
It is my 90% comp…The most under-rated CF in the game over the last decade
Really is quite underrated but I guess that is what happens when you play in Baltimore which is too bad. He is fun to watch. I can see the comparison though with the possible tools that Lindsay has and the type of athlete he is.