Tyrone Taylor

[Mr Southpaw]

I don't get the lack of love for Tyrone Taylor, a high draft choice who has performed better at every level and now is showing power at 24 years old. Pretty much the same numbers as Corey Ray at the same age. Not saying they are the same, with most on this board liking Ray better, although I consider Tyrone's consistency a plus over Ray. I just don't understand why more people don't see him more valuable than a number 25-35 prospect ranking.

 

Being that the Brewers put him on the 40 man roster tells me they think he is MLB ready and either will spend some time in Milwaukee in 2019 or he will be used in a trade asset, much like they view Ray. Again I am not saying I don't like Ray or his value, especially him being a left handed hitter, I just don't see why Taylor is ignored.

[MrTPlush]

The steps I took to answer your question.

 

1) Appears he had a breakout year after struggling mightily in 2017. As noted his power surge happened this year, but still only had an OPS of .825.

 

2) Looks like he was at AAA last year...AKA Colorado.

 

3) Good idea to probably check out those home/away splits. Annnnnd yup...there is the answer.

 

Home - 1.016 OPS

Road - .635 OPS

[JosephC]

Taylor's MiLB career slash line is .268/.325/.404/.729. That's below average offense for an outfielder unless the guy can play plus-plus centerfield defense. While Taylor got some positive review for his centerfield play early in his MiLB career, the stuff I've been reading lately says his defense is plus for a corner spot and just average for centerfield. Last year he played 56 games in center, 39 games in left and 26 games in right. I don't think he's trade bait, but rather the Brewers see him as a versatile outfielder who will be a decent insurance policy. Braun has missed an average of 40 games over the last three years. Cain has missed an average of 29 games over the last three years. Broxton is out of options and he'll probably be headed to another organization. I think chances are very good that we see Taylor in a Brewer's uniform for parts of the 2019 season. Hopefully he will hit enough when he gets the chance.

[And That]

Taylor's career wRC+ is 103, which means he's been 3% above average based on the leagues he's played in over his career. It's not dramatic, but considering he was a multisport athlete in high school that didn't focus on baseball until he became a pro, and was playing in A-ball as a 19-year-old, that production is hardly anything to turn your nose at. The Brewers are also not looking solely at stats for Tyrone, as he is a premium athlete capable of manning all three outfield positions well. There's still quite a bit of untapped potential in his game, and he has a knack for getting the bat to the ball - he's struck out less than 13% over his career. Contact, physicality, growth potential at the plate, defensive acumen - there's still a lot to love about Taylor.

[JohnBriggs12]

After several disappointing and injury riddled seasons, Taylor restored some of his luster in 2018. You can point to splits all you want but the fact is he had a higher slugging percentage for CS than did Santana, and struck out just 74 times to Santana's 75 in more than double the number of PA. You have to take road splits with a grain of salt. Playing half your games at altitude requires an adjustment when you are closer to sea level that guys who play most of their games at sea level don't have to make. Let's see how he does playing full time in San Antonio. His power increase isn't all that surprising as he's matured into a stronger player at 24 than he was at 21. He'll give them a guy at AAA that can be called up in a roster crunch.

[KeithStone53151]

If I remember right, Taylor got into some really bad habits in 2015/2016 that sapped almost all of his power. His mechanics were basically a disaster if I remember right. He was hurt most of 2017 and yes has shown more power in 2018. As has been noted, he was a multi-sport guy that still has development left and could be a very useful player. I think the Brewers adding him to the 40 man so early in the offseason says a lot about the impact they think he could make. Hopefully he can make some more strides in 2019 and maybe find his way into a 4th OF spot.

[sveumrules]

Another aspect with Taylor is just prospect fatigue.

 

His value probably was at its peak after the 2014 season when he posted a 107 wRC+ in High-A & made the BA list at number 93.

 

He followed that up with an 84 wRC+ at AA in 2015 & an 86 wRC+ repeating AA in 2016 before being injured for most of the 2017 season.

 

That's three straight years of falling stock. He had an OK bounce back this year, but I think posters are going to need to see more before they start buying in after that essentially lost stretch from 2015-17.

[ctmyers]

I remember Taylor taking BP a few years back in AZ and he didn't have any leg kick at all. I've never been a fan of that approach, because you're essentially trading power for bat control, unless you've got extremely strong wrists, shoulders and core. Watching a few games in CS this year, he has a more exaggerated leg kick which, when coupled with the thin air in CS, would substantially help with power numbers. He's definitely a good athlete. You see a lot of players with bad bodies who just aren't that athletic, but they are naturally good baseball players. Taylor is the opposite. He's an athlete transitioning to a good baseball player and that's likely the trend that Brewers front office is banking on.

[FVBrewerFan]

Taylor actually IS what many wanted Wren to be. A legitimate 4th OF prospect.

[CheeseheadInQC]

I guess I'm of two minds on Taylor. On one hand, the production is a bit fringy for the 40-man spot. On the other hand, he's the exact type of guy I'd hope they'd target in minor league free agency: athletic, still fairly young, can play a premium defensive position.

[Humans Need Water]

I remember Taylor taking BP a few years back in AZ and he didn't have any leg kick at all. I've never been a fan of that approach, because you're essentially trading power for bat control, unless you've got extremely strong wrists, shoulders and core. Watching a few games in CS this year, he has a more exaggerated leg kick which, when coupled with the thin air in CS, would substantially help with power numbers. He's definitely a good athlete. You see a lot of players with bad bodies who just aren't that athletic, but they are naturally good baseball players. Taylor is the opposite. He's an athlete transitioning to a good baseball player and that's likely the trend that Brewers front office is banking on.

A leg kick is solely a timing mechanism. Has nothing *directly* to do with generating power.

[Humans Need Water]

Taylor offers contact, speed, defensive versatility in the OF and some pop in the bat. That said, his bat still has work to do to be a reliable 4th OF. He has the tools though.

 

For me, my question would be if I'm having Dubon as a backup covering the middle IF then do I want another player that doesn't have much pop off the bench too? He's like another Perez but solely in the OF and with a higher OBP.

[ctmyers]

I remember Taylor taking BP a few years back in AZ and he didn't have any leg kick at all. I've never been a fan of that approach, because you're essentially trading power for bat control, unless you've got extremely strong wrists, shoulders and core. Watching a few games in CS this year, he has a more exaggerated leg kick which, when coupled with the thin air in CS, would substantially help with power numbers. He's definitely a good athlete. You see a lot of players with bad bodies who just aren't that athletic, but they are naturally good baseball players. Taylor is the opposite. He's an athlete transitioning to a good baseball player and that's likely the trend that Brewers front office is banking on.

A leg kick is solely a timing mechanism. Has nothing *directly* to do with generating power.

 

That's your opinion, but plenty of players attribute their leg kick and stride as a direct correlation to their power generation. To say that it's solely a timing mechanism is inaccurate.

[Mr Southpaw]

Taylor's career wRC+ is 103, which means he's been 3% above average based on the leagues he's played in over his career. It's not dramatic, but considering he was a multisport athlete in high school that didn't focus on baseball until he became a pro, and was playing in A-ball as a 19-year-old, that production is hardly anything to turn your nose at. The Brewers are also not looking solely at stats for Tyrone, as he is a premium athlete capable of manning all three outfield positions well. There's still quite a bit of untapped potential in his game, and he has a knack for getting the bat to the ball - he's struck out less than 13% over his career. Contact, physicality, growth potential at the plate, defensive acumen - there's still a lot to love about Taylor.

 

So he is a utility outfielder with a more than little power and pretty good on base ability. Sounds like a better option than Santana since he can play all three outfield positions. I wonder if he can adapt to being a one at bat pinch hitter? I have never seen him make a big throw, does anyone know what his arm strength is like?

[Roderick]

Being that the Brewers put him on the 40 man roster tells me they think he is MLB ready ......

 

Or it tells us they had room on the 40 man roster at this point in time. Nothing stopping them from removing him when a spot is needed.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Being that the Brewers put him on the 40 man roster tells me they think he is MLB ready ......

 

Or it tells us they had room on the 40 man roster at this point in time. Nothing stopping them from removing him when a spot is needed.

 

It tells me that they like him enough that they didn't want to risk losing him as a minor league free agent, or if resigned to a minors deal, in the Rule 5 draft. I'm not sure if he would have qualified for free agency or not, but he surely would have been Rule 5 eligible.

[And That]

He would have been a minor league free agent, yes. This was their only means to guarantee he came back next season.

[reillymcshane]

Due to the extreme home/road splits last year - Home - 1.016 OPS, Road - .635 OPS - I'm skeptical of Taylor. But I'm not a scout and understand the guy has some intriguing tools. If the club thinks he can be a major leaguer, then they are wise to put him on the 40-man roster. Let's see how he does in neutral home park next year. We'll see how he progresses.

 

Even if he becomes a decent 4th OF, that's a very valuable asset to have. His ability to make contact would be welcome.

[Roderick]

Being that the Brewers put him on the 40 man roster tells me they think he is MLB ready ......

 

Or it tells us they had room on the 40 man roster at this point in time. Nothing stopping them from removing him when a spot is needed.

 

It tells me that they like him enough that they didn't want to risk losing him as a minor league free agent, or if resigned to a minors deal, in the Rule 5 draft. I'm not sure if he would have qualified for free agency or not, but he surely would have been Rule 5 eligible.

 

I guess my question is, does the Brewers putting him on the 40 man roster when they did really mean anything? Could they have been protecting him, to keep their options open, up until they drop him before the rule 5 draft 40 man roster is set November 19th (my guess from last years date)? I assume if they decide they want to protect other prospects on the 40 man roster, they would just take Taylor off from it before then. Or would that not just make sense. Not sure on the nuances.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

They very well may have gotten the indication from Taylor or his representation that he was intent on looking for a different opportunity if he got to minor league free agency. He likely doesn't have the physical tools of a guy like Keon Broxton (not many do), but he probably profiles as a better hitter. I wonder if he is going to be looked at as a potential #4-5 OF next year? There may not be room for him on the initial roster, but with Braun's injury woes, Taylor's ability to play all three spots in the OF could come in handy.

 

It all could be moot, though, as the Hot Stove season is just getting underway, and his roster spot is probably precarious.

[Mass Haas]

Or it tells us they had room on the 40 man roster at this point in time. Nothing stopping them from removing him when a spot is needed.

 

Players added to the 40-man tend prior to Rule 5 tend to make it through their first full year on the 40-man without being removed.

 

Looking back, Brock Kjeldgaard was DFA'd on July 27th, eight months after being added to the 40-man, one of the few examples like that I could find since the start of the Melvin/Stearns era.

[Humans Need Water]

I remember Taylor taking BP a few years back in AZ and he didn't have any leg kick at all. I've never been a fan of that approach, because you're essentially trading power for bat control, unless you've got extremely strong wrists, shoulders and core. Watching a few games in CS this year, he has a more exaggerated leg kick which, when coupled with the thin air in CS, would substantially help with power numbers. He's definitely a good athlete. You see a lot of players with bad bodies who just aren't that athletic, but they are naturally good baseball players. Taylor is the opposite. He's an athlete transitioning to a good baseball player and that's likely the trend that Brewers front office is banking on.

A leg kick is solely a timing mechanism. Has nothing *directly* to do with generating power.

 

That's your opinion, but plenty of players attribute their leg kick and stride as a direct correlation to their power generation. To say that it's solely a timing mechanism is inaccurate.

No, it's not my opinion. It's fact. I also stated it has nothing *directly* to do with generating power. Meaning, it *indirectly* could play a role in helping someone get to their launch position, however, one doesn't need a leg kick to reach launch position. Hence, it's solely a timing mechanism.

[Jenkins5]

Leg kick is timing. Power directly comes from the power line (upper legs, hip, core) and then wrist/forearm for bat speed. Only thing leg kick can do is improve or wreck positioning to active the lower body. You need body weight loaded on back leg so leg kicks may better shift weight back. I use to bat from an open stance, and my kick was to shift weight back & help coil my body to be more explosive through the ball. I could do that from a closed stance as well but wasn’t as comfortable. Neither are reason for power. If you are using a kick for power, I’m sure the swing is inconsistent & feet aren’t consistently getting to right power position

[Jenkins5]

Think the difference is more his load & how he actives his hips & core. Early in career with little kick, he may have just not loaded hips well. Leg kick now may force him to load more

[Mr Southpaw]

Or it tells us they had room on the 40 man roster at this point in time. Nothing stopping them from removing him when a spot is needed.

 

Players added to the 40-man tend prior to Rule 5 tend to make it through their first full year on the 40-man without being removed.

 

Looking back, Brock Kjeldgaard was DFA'd on July 27th, eight months after being added to the 40-man, one of the few examples like that I could find since the start of the Melvin/Stearns era.

 

That is good news. Hopefully he gets is shot this coming year. It just looks like with Braun in the outfield that their is no place for Santana and he does not make a very good 4th outfielder. Taylor fits that bill better than him and to an extent Broxton (although I really love Broxton's defense).