By Frankie Piliere

It’s very easy to write about prospects that the whole world knows about. From a scouting perspective—and I’ve seen said this before—it is far more exciting to write about a “discovery.”

One discovery that I think I made over the summer was Nate Freiman, a first baseman playing for the Orleans Cardinals. You probably have heard little to nothing about Nate as a draft prospect mainly because he’s not flashy, can look awkward, doesn’t play for one of the top baseball programs and doesn’t have draft history under his belt.

For you draft junkies out there, look out for this 6′8 first baseman (for Duke he is currently catching, yes at 6′8) to be picked somewhere around the third round. He really impressed me as a pure, natural hitter. Check out his scouting report after the jump….

Nate Freiman, 1B - Orleans Cardinals (Duke)

Present/Future Grades

Hitting - 55/60

Power - 50/60

Speed - 50/50

Fielding - 50/50

Arm - 45/45

Physical Description - Extra tall, lean and lanky. Strong looking young man, also looks gawky and awkward. A lot of room to grow and fill out. Very long legs, looks young and still somewhat immature. Looks like Richie Sexson. Good, strong athlete but lacks fast twitch muscles.

Hitting - Not pretty but just flat out hits. Puts bat on ball. Looks very comfortable with a wood bat. Short swing, very quick wrists, gets to and squares the ball. No trouble with good righty breaking balls and spins on fastballs inside. Drops his hands, brings them back up, ala Cecil Fielder. Appears to be a timing device, as they get back into position. Very low effort swing, ball jumps off his bat. Great hand eye coordination and just knows how to hit. Covers the plate, no problems with particular pitches, very complete hitter. Extremely unorthodox but don’t be fooled, a well schooled hitter. Approach similar to Derek Jeter.

Power - Hits line drives right now, doesn’t lift the ball a whole lot. Definitely has big power potential but is currently a line drive hitter right now. Shots seem to have a second gear and if he can learn to lift the ball the home runs will come. Has raw power to all fields, and game usable pull power currently. Hits the ball as hard as anyone. Potential for plus power.

Speed - Not a speed player, at his size it’s a surprise he moves as well as he does. About an average runner, runs beter underway. Surprisingly agile but slow foot speed, long strides.

Fielding - Will need to play first base. Every play is an adventure in left field. Bad routes and bad jumps. Looks very solid at first base. Soft hands, pretty smooth around the bag. Average range and turns the double play consistently well. No problem making the throws to second base. Not going to be a defensive presence but his size and athleticism should allow him to be an adequate defender.

Arm - In the oufield, he’s limited to left field. Average arm at best, but plays more than well enough at 1b. Makes accurates throws and gets ride of the ball quickly.

Notes - Not going to look real smooth in anything he does but should always produce with the bat. If he can learn to lift the ball, his great strength and approach could allow him to be a 40 home run type hitter. Good makeup, works hard at his craft. Polished hitting prospect.

Adjusted Overall Future Potential: 54
Present Group: P, Future Group: C
Projected Role: Everyday 1B, 5th or 6th hitter in a lineup
Draft Projection: Third round pick
Overall Comparison: Richie Sexson (with much better bat handling)

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