2007 MLB Draft Report - Matt Wieters

Biographical Data
Player Name: Matthew Richard Wieters
Position: Catcher
School: Georgia Tech
MDBL Team: NAFTA Prickly Pear Dealers
Academic Class: Junior
Birthdate: 05/21/86
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 230 lbs.
Bats: Both
Throws: Right
Report Date(s): 02/16-02/18/07
Game(s): Illinois-Chicago

Focus Area/Comments:
Hitting Ability: Wieters usually is an electric hitter with the ability to hit for power and average from both sides of the plate. Early this season, though, he's been fighting himself at the plate during games, getting out too quickly. He's more fluid from the left side and has more strength from the right.
Power: Wieters showed plus raw power from the left side during BP and only took a few swings from the right side because that night's opponent was a RHP.
Running Speed: Wieters is a below average runner.
Arm Strength: Also Georgia Tech's closer, Wieters has plus arm strength from behind the plate.
Arm Accuracy: Wieters' accuracy is just as good as his arm strength. His throws are always right on target.
Fielding: Overall, he's average behind the plate. He needs to get in better position to catch the ball and give his pitcher an earlier target
Range: Wieters moves his feet fine, but needs to work on his lateral range.
Baseball Instinct: Wieters normally has a terrific approach at the plate and is a natural leader behind it.
Physical Description: Wieters is tall for a catcher at 6-foot-5, but should be able to stick behind the plate.
Medical Update: Healthy.
Strengths: Above-average power from both sides, arm strength and accuracy.
Weaknesses: Right now, there's a lot of movement in his swing and he's losing leverage as a result.
Summary: On Friday, he was jumpy at the plate during the game and his approach was not good. It's early in the year and Wieters certainly has a good track record, so no one doubts he'll remain the top college bat in the draft class.