Monday, December 1, 2008

Top 15 Hitters: #14 Brian Bryles

Brian Bryles
Reminder: You can still vote for the Readers Prospect Poll #1 position player here.

Brian Bryles
6'1'' 170 lbs DOB: 11/04/1989
Centerfield
Bats: Right | Throws: Right
2008: Princeton
Acquired: 2008 Draft, Round 12, 353 overall

Selected with the 353rd overall pick in the 2008 draft, Bryles is a highly athletic outfielder with all of the raw tools to be a major leaguer. Although he is one of the best athletes in the system, Bryles is extremely raw at the plate, which showed during his debut with Princeton. He was also a pitching prospect whose fastball reached the low 90s in high school.

Bryles made his debut with rookie level Princeton in the Appalachian League shortly after signing two days after the draft. He struggled in 148 at bats, posting a vital of .216/.293/.257 with just four extra base hits, having a walk rate of 7.9% and strike out rate of 23.2% . Bryles stole 8 bases but was caught 4 times. He attended the Rays’ Fall Instructional League following the season.

Tools wise, Bryles’ arm and speed are certainly his two best currently. A true speedster, Bryles ran the anchor leg for North Little Rock High School’s State Champion 4x100m relay team but could not compete in more events due to the overlapping track and baseball seasons. At the plate Bryles is still extremely raw and will need some time to develop. Decent raw power, excellent athleticism and a projectable body make Bryles an intriguing, projectable hitting prospect. Depending on the progess made during Instructional League and Spring Training, Bryles could start back at Princeton or move up to Hudson-Valley. Starting in Bowling Green is a possibility as well.

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