Nationals Farm Authority

Georgia Tech CA/RHRP Matt Wieters

 

Class	DOB	Ht	Wt	B	T
Junior	5/21/86	6′5″	230	S	R

Repertoire: high-90s fastball

Year	W-L	APP	SV	IP	ERA	H9	HR9	K9	BB9	WHIP
2005	0-0	5	1	8.33	0.00	3.2	0.0	8.6	0.0	0.36
2006	1-3	21	7	31.67	3.41	9.9	0.6	9.9	2.3	1.36

Transitioning from the mound (sort of), the first college hitter is Yellow Jacket catcher Matt Wieters who also doubles as their closer. In 2006, he had a 1-3 record with 7 saves and a 3.41 ERA in 21 appearances (31.67IP) with 35 strikeouts and 8 walks.

Year	G	AB	R	H	HR	RBI	BB	SO	AVG	OBP	SLG
2005	60	227	53	83	10	68	45	32	0.366	0.470	0.581
2006	68	259	72	92	15	71	56	39	0.355	0.480	0.606

But it’s his bat that will likely drive his future in MLB. Wieters, a pre-season All-American behind the plate, projects as a switch-hitting middle of the lineup threat with the bat. He’s already demonstrated the ability to hit with a wooden bat. In the 2006 Cape Cod League, Wieters was ranked by PGCrosschecker.com as the best professional prospect after hitting 307/417/535 in 35 games for the Orleans Cardinals. His  arm as a catcher is not an issue, the questions surrounding Wieters are whether he has the the agility and receiving skills to remain behind the plate. If necessary, he could be shifted to 1B or to a corner OF position. Wieters is reportedly being represented by Scott Boras. He’s likely to be the first bat selected in the draft so the chances of him being available at #6 are long.