Draft profile: Andrew Benintendi
*** With the 2015 First-Year Player Draft fast approaching, we take a closer look at the top prospects in this year's class. ***
Name: Andrew Benintendi
Position: OF
School: Arkansas
Rank on Draft Top 200: 8
DOB: 07/06/1994
Bats: L Throws: L
Height: 5'10" Weight: 170 lbs.
Tools
Future grades on 20-80 scouting scale
30: Well below average
40: Below average
50: Average
60: Above average
70-80: Well above average
Hit: 60
Power: 50
Run: 60
Arm: 50
Field: 60
Overall: 55
Stats (through June 2)
Games: 60
Avg: .390
AB: 213
2B: 13
HR: 18
RBI: 54
SB: 22
OBP: .491
Scouting report
Teams who like college hitters who perform, especially in competitive conferences, will undoubtedly be giving Benintendi a long look at Arkansas. The Razorbacks' Draft-eligible sophomore has certainly raised his stock with his performance at the plate this spring. The outfielder has a smooth swing from the left side of the plate, showing the ability to consistently barrel up balls and make consistently hard contact. Not known for his power previously, the Cincinnati native has added some strength and was among the nation's leaders in home runs this season. Benintendi has plus speed, which should allow him to be a basestealing threat and stick in center field. Benintendi does have some leverage as a sophomore, but most around Little Rock feel he's going to be drafted early enough to forego his junior season at Arkansas.
MLB comp: Jon Jay with more power and a little more speed
Fun fact: Benintendi became the first player in Arkansas team history to be named the National Player of the Year by Collegiate Baseball. The historic distinction came shortly after the 20-year-old outfielder had already also earned SEC Player of the Year honors.
He said it: "Yeah, it's an honor," Benintendi said after being named Collegiate Baseball's National Player of the Year. "When it comes down to it, it's just an award. We're just going to try to win baseball games and play our best."
They said it: "He played like (National Player of the Year), there's no question about that. He was really good offensively. [He] obviously had several hits today and he took a couple away. He's an outstanding player."
-- Oral Roberts coach Ryan Folmar to the Arkansas News, after Benintendi went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs in an NCAA Regional game victory over Folmar's club.