J.J. Hardy (65)

Pos: SS	DOB: 08/19/1982	Ht: 6’1
Team: Baltimore	B/T: R/R	Wt: 190

Batting: 45	Speed: 35	Arm: 55
Power: 65	Defense: 75

Stance: Open stance, but maintains closed hips. Keeps his hands low around letter level and away from his body. Stands fairly far back from the plate. Strides into a less opened stance, and uses a toe tap trigger.

Approach: Very aggressive hitter, who swings early and will expand his strike zone. Lacks plate discipline and strike zone awareness. Has solid pitch recognition. Likes the ball on the inner half of the plate, struggles to hit the ball down and away.

Hitting Ability: Smooth swing that has a slight upper cut. Tries to crush everything and is a great mistake hitter. Doesn’t hit for a high average, typically sitting around .250-.260. Strikes out too much and doesn’t walk enough, but has been improving in both categories this season. Pulls the ball on the ground, and hits the ball to all fields in the air.

Power: Above average power, strictly to the pull field, as he almost never goes yard to the opposite field. Capable of hitting around 25 homeruns annually. Power plays in all ballparks. One of the best power hitting shortstops in the league.

Running: Below average speed, not a threat on the bases at all. Does not seem to have the desire to steal bases, and lacks the foot speed to be a major threat. Will only attempt one or two steals a year. Shows great quickness on defense,

Fielding: Gold Glove level defender. Has great range and shows quickness and athleticism. Able to make difficult plays on fly balls on the run. Incredibly soft hands, makes tough off-balance plays look easy. Has fantastic hand eye coordination and does a great job making diving plays. Solid arm strength with above average accuracy.  Consistently makes the spin and throw play look easy.

Physical Description: Muscular athletic frame. Has great weight distribution and solid muscle definition. Long legs and a high waist. No need to add or subtract weight and no concern over adding bad weight in the future.

Projection: All-star level shortstop who hits for power and plays Gold Glove level defense. Guaranteed to have a starting job on any team. Can hit anywhere in the lineup and is a strong veteran presence who knows how to control the infield on defense.