Greyson
Jenista

12/28/13 - Jenista, a Wichita State commit and KC Barnstormers product, certainly has the MLB body part of the equation down standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds.  He showed excellent balance throughout his delivery allowing his powerful arm to deliver mid-to-upper 80’s strikes with, at times, late life.  Jenista also flashed a 74-77 breaking ball and 76-79 change-up.  He is also a left-hand hitting 1B/IF who showed good hands and, of course, a strong accurate arm working out at both both first base base and shortstop.  His performance during batting practice was a lot like his pitching – controlled aggression.  His talents on the mound narrowly edge out his abilities as a position player – but I wouldn’t rule out him being a major contributor doing both at the next level.  He also ran a 7.15 60-yard dash, impressive indeed for such an imposing figure.

5/23/18 - Athletic, large bodied prospect who showed defensive versatility and solid tools. Played one game in center field and another at first base. Looked more comfortable in the outfield where he showed an above average arm and near average range. Initially misread a line drive by coming in a step, but reversed course and ran it down, showing closing speed while making an over-the-shoulder catch. Plus athlete, yet judging by his body type, most likely will need to move to right field or first base at the next level. Appeared tentative on a couple ground balls at first base, but it was a one game look on grass after no pregame I/O and the Shockers play all of its home games on turf. Most likely just needs more reps on real dirt. Jenista’s loudest tool is his raw power via strength and plus bat speed. Whipped the bat in/out of the zone during both batting practice and the game. Committed early and didn’t get cheated, looked to attack the baseball. Pulled off with his front shoulder and stepped in bucket on a few swings. Occasionally cut off his power with his lower half. Not a good combination for bat control or power production. Took a few pitches that he recognized late (or guessed wrong) and expanded the strike zone, but based on his season totals of a 15.8% strikeout rate, my two-game look could be more towards the exception than the rule. Hits RHPs (.310/.458/.504) and LHPs (.317/.450/.460) near equally, yet strikes out a bit more vs lefties (20% vs 14%). Jenista has top round tools and athleticism in a large body. A rather difficult adjustment to his swing mechanics/path would allow his strength and bat speed to really impact the game. It’s easy to dream that he could one day put it all together for some big-time power production; 30-plus home runs a year in pro ball. A club known for developing hitters (Cardinals, Dodgers) or one with extra picks (Rays, Royals) may jump up and grab him as early as the supplemental round.