DANIEL GROVATT | CORNER OUTFIELDER |
 | Born: October 29, 1988 Height: 6′ 1″ Weight: 195 Bats: Left Throws: Left Drafted: 11th Round, 327th Overall, 2010 How Acquired: Draft College: University of Virginia Agent: N/A |
WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES |
| Grovatt was a top hitter for Virginia his first two years, but slumped as a junior. In fact, he had the lowest batting average among the team’s regulars. He has an unorthodox swing that doesn’t allow for much power; the Pirates may think they can help him make adjustments. Beyond the limited power, he was considered an advanced hitter with good strike zone judgment. He hit well in the wood-bat Cape Cod League in 2009. Grovatt has a strong arm, having shown a 95 mph fastball in pitching briefly. The arm would help him fit well in right. He appeared likely to return to Virginia, but decided to sign a few days before the deadline. As a reason, he mentioned in an interview that he’d torn the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm and was afraid another injury would end his chances of signing a pro contract. 2010 Got into three games at the end of the GCL season. 2011 Played for West Virginia throughout 2011. He evidently made some changes around mid-season. Up to that point, he drew a huge number of walks, but hit for little power, with only one HR. In the second half, his walk total dropped dramatically, his K total rose dramatically, and he hit seven HRs. First Half: 294/417/416, 1 HR, 44 BB, 39 K in 65 G. He didn’t have any platoon split. Grovatt played a little in left and center, but mostly in right, showing decent outfield defense and the strong arm. He had 15 outfield assists total. He also showed some base stealing ability. Grovatt obviously has some hitting ability, including a good eye, but is still searching for the right approach. He didn’t show enough power for a corner outfield position in the first half and his hitting overall wasn’t good enough in the second half. Hopefully, he can find some middle ground that works. As a college draftee from a major program, he’ll need to move quickly to establish any prospect status. He’ll be in the Bradenton outfield in 2012. |
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| Baseball Reference–Minors Fangraphs MiLB.com
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