Johnny
Mendoza

11/4/18: Medium frame with mature build; strength in hips/core/upper leg area with agile feet. Balanced stance with short crouch and even hands as elbows stay down; quiet load with elbows separating and back shoulder loading as hands work directly back. Balanced through contact with hands that stay back as he stretches with front leg stride. Compact stroke with direct hands; short line drives into OF and through IF during BP. In game, on base three times finding clean singles. Fringe runner (4.56-4.62) that uses athleticism to get down line or pick spots to steal a bag. Fringe arm with clean footwork and quick release to put the ball on the bag regularly (2.07-2.16); in game caught stealing (2.13) just missing a 2nd with similar pop. Willing to use arm to keep runners honest with backpick to 1st on the bag. Average blocking/receiving skills with shoulders rolling for blocks and ability to deaden pitches; keeps low hips and flexibility showing late targets. (Ozella)