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| Scouting Report: 2B Reegie Corona
Story URL: http://yankees.scout.com/2/491293.html | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Frankie Piliere PinstripesPlus.com | Jan 21, 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Reegie Corona put together a solid season with Staten Island as a 19-year old in 2005, despite the fact that he only compiled a .227 batting average. But, he proved that he can be a valuable contributor with his glove, timely hitting and ability to play little ball. Now, let's take a closer look at Reegie Corona. (FREE PREVIEW OF PREMIUM CONTENT) Vital Statistics: Name: Reegie Corona Position: Second Base DOB: November 7, 1986 Height: 5'11" Weight: 160 Bats: Both Throws: Right The numbers aren't dazzling and, in fact, Reegie Corona really doesn't have anything overwhelming about him just yet. However, what he does have are age (18), great hands at second base, projectability and speed on his side. And, from many perspectives, that could spell a big league career for the young Venezuelan. It was a season in 2005 with not many big hits for Corona, as he batted only .227. However, he gets somewhat of a pass because he is well known for having a high ceiling and he was quite young for the New York Penn League. Ultimately, his final hit of the season was the only one that truly mattered. In fact, it was undoubtedly the biggest hit of the season. For a young player, is there any better feeling in the world than getting the championship clinching hit? "The way I felt after I got that hit is one of those rare moments in life," an elated Corona told PinstripesPlus.com after the championship contest. "Without a doubt, it was the best moment of my short baseball career. And, the way I felt after that incredible game is something that just can't be explained. It was a thing in life that only occurs once and there is just no way to describe a feeling like that. It was just an incredible sensation." Reegie did not earn his keep in the everyday lineup by bashing home runs day in and day out or leading the league in hitting. But, what he did do on a daily basis made him as valuable as anyone for the 2005 Baby Bombers. Although he seemed to get lost in the shuffle on a star-studded Staten Island squad, he wasn't overlooked by his manager. "Reegie played almost every game for us," Staten Island manager, Andy Stankiewicz said. "You know, he doesn't have the offensive numbers yet, but he has really done the job defensively. He's made big plays for us at big moments in the game." Most importantly, 2005 was all about learning for Reegie Corona. The Yankees didn't expect him to be an immediate impact type of player. Instead, he's seen as a guy who already plays good defense, can run, and just knows how to play the game. Considering how much he was able to soak up, the 19-year old believes that 2005 can be considered a success. "I could probably talk all day about the things I learned this season," he revealed. "I learned so much and improved so much, I could go on and on. I love to learn and that is the most important thing at this level. But, if I could summarize everything I learned, it just comes down to one thing. This is a game and you should never forget that. Always have fun out there and things will go well for you if you play the game the way it is suppose to be played." Corona is not going to be a grade-A type prospect as he makes his climb through the system. He may not be touted as the next Yankee second baseman either. But, according to his manager, Andy Stankiewicz, he may be just the type to have himself a big league career. "I look at a guy like Reegie Corona, our little second baseman [as a sleeper prospect]," Stankiewicz said of his scrappy second baseman. "He's a guy that you look at and say he's not so big and he doesn't have the big numbers. But, I still think he's going to continue to get better. He's a guy who could sneak in the back door and have himself a big league career."
Batting and Power. As we've already touched on, Reegie Corona has not built his reputation with his bat. As a matter of fact, few scouts expect that he'll ever be a significant offensive force. On the other hand, he can remain a solid prospect because of his ability to put the bat on the ball, bunt, and hit and run. He knows how to find holes in the defense and spray the ball to all fields. For manager who likes to play little ball, Reegie is their ideal player despite his light hitting tendencies. Also, it is unlikely that he'll ever produce much power, but, he does have some pop to the gaps now and then. Base running and Speed. Reegie is a very quick and very nimble player on the base paths and on the infield. And, given what we've seen thus far, it appears that he is going to remain as a player that relies on his legs and his glove. He still has not quite mastered base stealing but he does have the speed to do it if he continues to learn the craft. But, where his speed does show up more prominently is on defense. He has tremendous range and gets to balls that most players would have to dive for. Defense. This is where Reegie makes himself the most valuable to his team. On defense, Reegie does not have a tremendous arm, but what he does have is a quick release. Also, most of his throws are very accurate even when he is off balance. But, his range is his best defensive attribute by far. He has shortstop range and would play there if his arm was a little bit stronger. So, even if his bat never comes around, his glove could keep him in the game. Projection. The best case scenario for Reegie Corona is that he may fit into a big league lineup as a number nine hitter that could serve as a second leadoff man. He could hit possible around .260 with some base stealing ability and an outstanding glove. Another scenario is that he becomes and excellent backup infielder that could be a late inning replacement. ETA. N/A. Considering that he has infield prospects above him on the depth chart and he has yet to play a season in a full season league, it is too early for an ETA for Reegie Corona. We will revisit this following the 2006 season. _____________________________________________________ Subscribe to PinstripesPlus.com today! Only $79.95 brings you one full year of Total Access Pass and all premium content on PinstripesPlus.com, Scout™ Player and Roster Database (including the 'Hot News' at the top of the site), Breaking News and Information, Total Access to all Scout.com Websites, and Player Pages, detailing the progress and careers of players from high school, the minors, and the pro ranks. Sample the PinstripesPlus.com Total Access Pass™ at no risk for 7 days, then pay only $7.95 or $21.95. If you want to save 2 months off the monthly subscription price, simply choose the annual PinstripesPlus.com Total Access Pass™ at $79.95. Copyright © Scout.com and PinstripesPlus.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||