With their 13th pick of the MLB Draft, the Tampa Bay Rays took Johnn Eirman — a shortstop out of Missouri. While Eirman may not stick in the infield, he has a lot of upside and profiles well as a centerfielder.
Here’s DRaysBay’s analysis on Eierman:
Johnny Eierman (MO) and Senquez Golson (MS) are your typical high school, raw, toolsy outfielders. Eirman is a great athlete with plus footspeed. He has a quick right-handed bat that projects to hit for power. His issues are primarily due a lack of polish. His approach is poor and he’s struggled against better pitching. He can get too aggressive in games, but he’s shown big talent in batting practice and drills.
And now some of Baseball America’s thoughts on him:
Eierman has well above-average bat speed to match hit foot speed, though he’ll have to make adjustments against better pitching. He has a long righthanded stroke with an inconsistent load, and he’s too aggressive at the plate. If he can iron out his swing, he could be an average hitter with plus power. A shortstop for his high school team coached by his father John, Eierman won’t stay in the infield in pro ball. He lacks the hands and actions for second base, and his average arm may not be enough for third. The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder has the tools to become a solid center fielder.