John Manuel: Jennings more consistent then BJ Upton...

by td32 on Dec 26, 2009 6:42 PM EST

In ranking Desmond the #4 prospect overall:

"Why he’s here: Once he stayed healthy for a full season, Jennings showed true five-tool talent. He has size, speed, strength, explosiveness and skills.

What he’ll be: Jennings has many similarities to current Rays center fielder B.J. Upton, but his hitting track record is more consistent.

When he arrives: The Rays have an outfield spot open presently for 2010, and Jennings should be a big league-ready, inexpensive solution."

1st seasons…
In 2003, BJ hit 302/394/445 as an 18 year old in the Sally League..and even got a taste of AA to a tune of 276/376/381. Pretty damn good for an 18 yr old SS.

In 2006, as a 19 yr old in ROOKIE BALL, Desmond his 277/360/390…and didnt get promoted.

2nd seasons…
BJ Upton spent more time in AAA and Tampa then in AA! As a friggin 19 yr old! In AA his line was 327/427/471. In AAA his line was 311/411/519. As a 19 yr old in the BIGS, his line was 258/324/409.

Jennings spent his 20 yr old season in the Sally League hitting 315/401/465.

I like Jennings a lot. BJ Upton was a machine offensively through the minors. His only season he didnt dominate was 2006 when he was going through defensive issues(getting thrown all over the field). BJ Upton was a stud in the BIGS in 2007, good in 2008, and putrid last season. Before we talk about consistentcy, let let him have more then 1 down year.
Desmond Jennings will be 23 next season. 2008 was BJ Upton 23 yr old season… 4 seasons after his Big League debut.

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

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Comments

BJ was rushed.

Desmond wasn’t.

by twenty5psi on Dec 26, 2009 7:01 PM EST reply actions

Regardless....

He put up similar, or better numbers then DJ all while doing it at a younger age and higher levels.
Whether he was rushed or not, he was a stud in 2007, good in 2008, and 2009 was his 1st poor performance.

by td32 on Dec 26, 2009 7:07 PM EST up reply actions

DJ runs out a double play

BJ does when he feels like it.

Blah!

by thebaddancingraysfan on Dec 26, 2009 7:09 PM EST up reply actions

shutup

by daveh33 on Dec 26, 2009 9:15 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Oh no you deh-ent

by Doug09 on Dec 27, 2009 4:46 PM EST up reply actions

ha!

Blah!

by thebaddancingraysfan on Dec 27, 2009 2:33 AM EST reply actions

I dont think anyone can argue that they are both extremely talented

However, the thing that I still dont like about Upton offensively is that wierd leg timing mechanism in his swing. He seems to struggle at times shortening that up which doesnt allow him to get to the inside pitch which ends up making him very pitchable and limits his power. As we saw in the playoffs, when he is on, he is on. Sure he raked in the minors, but so do a lot of people. I just worry with his ability to make adjustments offensively in the majors. As for Desmond, we have no idea. While they may both be extremely similar athletically, im sure they both have different swings and cant be compared in that aspect. To me, right now that is the only thing holding Upton back from stardom. He needs to figure out his swing.

by BossmanJunior333 on Dec 27, 2009 4:08 AM EST reply actions

His swing looked great in 2007...

I think his shoulder has had a significant impact on his 2008 and 2009 performance.

by td32 on Dec 27, 2009 1:46 PM EST up reply actions

I do agree.

I know I separated my shoulder playing football my senior year of high school. My swing, that once generated a lot of power, was pretty much non-existent. I still made contact but the power just WASN’T there. Who knows, maybe he will have a big year this year.

Blah!

by thebaddancingraysfan on Dec 27, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions