Round 5: Matt Skole 3B, Georgia Tech

(from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Baseball-Reference                                                                                                                 FanGraphs
MiLB                                                                                                                             Georgia Tech Bio


2011 Stats:

Year	Age	Tm	Lg	Lev	Aff	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	TB	GDP	HBP	SH	SF	IBB
2011	21	Auburn	NYPL	A-	WSN	72	319	272	43	79	23	1	5	48	2	1	42	52	.290	.382	.438	.820	119	2	1	0	4	0
1 Season						72	319	272	43	79	23	1	5	48	2	1	42	52	.290	.382	.438	.820	119	2	1	0	4	0

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 3/22/2012.

Sean's one sentence analysis: Has the bat to be an average major league 3B and the glove to be an average major league 1B with the potential to do a little more.

"Matt Skole can hit. The question is: Can he field enough to stick at 3B? He looked bad the two games I saw him play last summer but also drilled a moonshot HR. A move to 1B or LF is probably in order, regardless of offseason stories stating otherwise." - Luke Erickson, Nationals Prospects (@nats_prospects)

"If Matt Skole were more likely to stick at third base, he would be a very interesting prospect. Already with good physicality, he seems destined to continue to add to his tall, wide frame as he matures. That will further limit his fringy range, and given his mediocre actions, a move to first base is probable. Offensively, things are brighter with his combination of bat speed and strength. The offensive requirement for first base will make it an uphill climb, but Skole could emerge as a solid regular." - Jeff Reese, Bullpen Banter (@ioffridus)

"Matt Skole entered his junior season poised to be drafted in the top few rounds after two impressive seasons at Georgia Tech and a solid performance for Falmouth in the Cape Cod League that summer. Unfortunately Skole only hit 9 home runs last season as he struggled to adjust to the new composite bats introduced to college baseball, and scouts questioned if he would have enough power with a wood bat to be a starting corner infielder, allowing him to slip to the Nationals in Round 5. Possessing a massive frame and limited athleticism, there are legitimate concerns if he can be an adequate defender at third base, because if not, it is questionable if his bat profiles at first base. A left-handed hitter with power and a good batting eye, Skole should move quickly because of his experience playing in the ACC: his ceiling is that of a starting major league baseball third baseman, but ultimately, is more likely destined to be a bench player at the infield corners.” - Ryan Sullivan, NatsGM.com (@natsgmdotcom)

Previous analysis and notes:
Hit 47 homers in 3 years at Georgia Tech, but only 10 came in 2011. Maintained the plate discipline improvements he made between his freshman and sophomore years this year. Briefly suspended in 2011 season for a DUI in late February. Aside from that, Skole is a solid pick and could move fairly quickly through the organization. At 3B, he would be a good hitter with a bad glove. At 1B/LF, he would be an average hitter with a mediocre glove. Intriguing prospect for now due to the power.
Nats.com Roundup: "The left-handed-hitting Skole hit 47 home runs in his three-year college career. The Rangers selected his brother, Jake, with the 15th overall pick out of high school last year."
From John Sickels, Minor League Ball, 6/14/2011: "Strong left-handed power, good strike zone judgment, opinions split on whether he can remain at third base, but the bat looks good."
From Mike Newman, Scouting the Sally, 4/20/2011: "Brother of former 1st round pick Jake Skole...Slightly below average athlete overall; Moves well for a man his size...More compact stroke than most left-handed hitters his size...Patient hitter; Rarely chases pitches outside the strike zone – even against mid-90′s velocity...See more potential as an average/on base hitter than true power hitting threat...Present speed is below average and is unlikely to improve...Future defensive home is uncertain...Showed a lack of confidence at third base; Shied away from cutting ball off in the 5/6 hole...Looks more comfortable at first base; Prospect status takes a definite hit if he settles in at 1B permanently...Has made a few starts behind the plate this season."
From Matt Grabusky, MLB Draft Guide, 4/13/2011: "Skole will go as far as his bat will take him. He is a patient hitter with plus power. He does have a head tug that is often mentioned and needs to be corrected if he is to reach his potential. Skole has a plus arm, but that is his only strenth in the field. His range is limited and his hands are suspect. A move to 1st or, possibly, left is on the horizon."
Matt Garrioch of MLB Bonus Baby had Skole listed 95th on his draft list on 6/3/2011 and 137th back on 11/22/2010.
Brian Foley of College Baseball Daily had Skole listed 59th on his draft list on 11/20/2010.

Skole signed with the Nats on June 16, 2011.