Profile & Scouting Report
Height: 6-4
Weight: 230 lbs.
Throws: Right
Bats: Left
Positions: Left Field, Designated Hitter
Born: May 4, 1976, Arlington , Texas
Scouting Report
1999 Season
Big things were expected of Ben Grieve following his Rookie-of-the-Year campaign in 1998. Thus it was shocking to find Grieve hitting .131 with just 11 RBI six weeks into the 1999 season. His early struggles caused manager Art Howe to sit Grieve against lefthanders for a stretch, before a string of multihit games in late May turned the tide. From May 20 on, Grieve batted .303-25-75, setting a personal high for homers while stabilizing the middle of the formidable Athletics lineup.
Hitting
Grieve is as even-keeled as a hitter can be. During his protracted slump, he worked hard to get out of the funk but didn't let it alter his demeanor. His swing is a thing of beauty, generating impressive power to all fields. Already a selective hitter, Grieve will rank among the American League's best once he learns the pitchers and stays back consistently on breaking pitches. He struggled all season against lefthanders, especially those who threw good breaking balls on the outside corner. By the time he masters southpaws, he should be a complete hitter.
Baserunning & Defense
In exchange for that beautiful swing, Grieve has been saddled with slow feet and slow reactions in the field. In 1999 he moved from right field to left, where he's less of a liability, but he doesn't get much of a jump on the ball regardless of where he plays. His arm is adequate, especially in left. Grieve was successful in four of four basestealing attempts, proving he knows his limitations and knows how to exploit them.
2000 Outlook
Grieve's 1999 probably was an anomaly. A repeat of his 1999 numbers, though, while below expectations, still would be very good for a 23-year-old. He soon should begin posting .300-30-100 seasons on an annual basis.
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