Outfielders Report Card

September 24, 2008   ·   Patrick Hickey, Jr.   ·   Jump to comments

Sean Williams- When he was called up earlier in the season, Williams seemed lost in the shuffle and was over-matched at the plate. However, after the All-Star break, Williams was a different a player and showed solid contact to all fields. His defensive ability was far from those of his counterparts, but his solid work ethic and grit, combined with his ability at the plate make him an interesting prospect to watch.

Grade- B-

Will Vogl- Before being released in July, Vogl was serving as the team’s fifth outfielder and despite not getting much playing time, was solid on defense and produced at the plate when he had to. Getting on in years, the former St. John’s star lost his starting spot and never seemed to recover from a late August slump in 2007. A good clubhouse guy and a hard-nosed player, Vogl may be able to catch on somewhere else if he can bounce back.

Grade- D

Sean Ratliff- The team’s right fielder for most of the season, Ratliff moved to center field and showed he had the range, speed and arm to be a great outfielder at any level he plays at. Nonetheless, great defense all season long is one thing, but a ton of strikeouts hurt his overall stock. He did develop some power as the season went along however, which was definitely encouraging, but he still has a long way to go offensively before he can be a legitimate blue-chip prospect.

Grade- C+

John Servidio- Leading the team in RBI most of the season, Servidio was a leader in the locker room and on the field. That doesn’t mean his play was exemplary however, as his play at the plate was mediocre. In spite of that though, his defense was extremely solid and combined with Ratliff and Nieuwenhuis, gave the Cyclones one of the best defensive outfields in the NY-Penn League. However, a hand injury ended his season prematurely, limiting his offensive production.

Grade- C+

Kirk Nieuwenhuis- Easily the Clones best offensive player, Nieuwenhuis was also something to behold on defense as well, making spectacular plays at both center and right field. Offensively consistent most of the season, Nieuwenhuis really started to come into his own after the all-star break and there it was he solidified his role as a catalyst at the plate and someone the tam could really depend on. His strikeout totals were a bit alarming, but considering the fact that he tied the team’s single season record with 79 hits, you’d be out of your mind to ask for any more from the youngster.

Grade- A

Photos by Ron Hatcher.