Info on Kyler Burke (aquired in Barrett trade)

[badger1679666666]

Supplemental 1st round pick last year.

 

Info my friend who does a lot with the minors sent me:

 

After Burke became the first high school player in the state to hit 20 home runs since Jeremy Reed did it in 1998, most clubs were convinced his future was in the outfield. He has a sturdy, streamlined frame, and showed off his athletic ability when he won his school's slam dunk contest. He was also a linebacker for the football team. With above-average raw power, Burke can drive balls to all parts of the field, though his numbers were skewed because of a short right-field porch on his home field and substandard competition in southeast Tennessee. He has some feel for hitting, and showed a good eye during the spring, drawing 40 walks. He's an average runner, but better under way. He doesn't get great jumps in the outfield, but he has above-average arm strength and profiles at a corner, where he should be an adequate defender. He pitches at 89-91 mph, though his velocity often tails off to 86-88 in the middle innings. He spins a solid-average breaking ball. Burke pitches up in the zone too much. He signed with Vanderbilt, where he could be a potent two-way weapon. Similar to Twins prospect Kyle Waldrop, another high-profile Tennessee prep player who had committed to Vandy, Burke is expected to sign if he's taken in the top two rounds.

 

Huge ceiling. Has a cannon arm in right, just a raw hitter. The Midwest League (Low A) is the toughest hitting environment in the minor leagues. Thing is, for a 19 year old, he has good plate discipline. He's drawn 26 walks in 239 PA's, that's around 11%, and for a raw 19 year old, that's excellent.

 

Unfortunately, with the Cubs responsible for player development, we might as well send him somewhere else for his sake.

Edited June 20, 2007 by badger

[jersey cubs fan]

why list that he won his high school's slam dunk contest?

[badger1679666666]

why list that he won his high school's slam dunk contest?

 

he didn't write it up - it was a scouting report. I guess to show his athleticism?

[jersey cubs fan]

why list that he won his high school's slam dunk contest?

 

he didn't write it up - it was a scouting report. I guess to show his athleticism?

 

I understand, my point is why is anybody listing it. It's useless info that tells us absolutely nothing about his ability to play baseball.

[Guest]

The first Tennessee high school player to hit 20 home runs since 1998, Burker also pitched and playede linebacker for the Ooltewag High football team. Burke is a natural athlete, but his prep performance may have been aided by substandard competition in southeast Tennessee and a short right-field fence at his home field. The Padres keyed in on Burke's all-around potential and sound batting eye, and took him with the 35th overall pick in June, then signed him for $950,000. As a pro, he showcased a clean swing, but tended to drift with his body into pitches and get out on his front foot. He also had a tough time making contact when Arizona League pitchers began feeding hiim a steady diet of breaking balls and chaneups. In fact, after hitting safely in 11 of his first 13 gamess, Burke batted just .168 afterward, which included a 4-for-47 slump. Because it was his first taste of failure, he lost confidence and assertiveness. But the Padres think highly of Burke's potential to hit for average and power, and believe it's just a matter of finding rhythm and timing at the plate. His range and speed are average at best, butplus arm strength - he hit 91 mph off the mound in high school - will allow him to handle right field. Burke will have every chance to make the low Class A Fort Wayne roster.

 

He was the Padres' #14 prospect going into this season.

 

I wouldn't mind if the Cubs sent him to Boise rather than back to the MWL.

[Soriano12]

why list that he won his high school's slam dunk contest?

 

he didn't write it up - it was a scouting report. I guess to show his athleticism?

 

I understand, my point is why is anybody listing it. It's useless info that tells us absolutely nothing about his ability to play baseball.

 

Speed doesn't slump!

[RichHillIsABeast]

This guy sounds really good.

 

It wouldn't surprise me if the Cubs wanted him but really didn't have a shot with the lack of early round picks.

 

There's a scouting vid (he was pick #35).

 

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2006/tracker/search.jsp?sc=round&sp=1S

[DiamondMind]

why list that he won his high school's slam dunk contest?

 

he didn't write it up - it was a scouting report. I guess to show his athleticism?

 

I understand, my point is why is anybody listing it. It's useless info that tells us absolutely nothing about his ability to play baseball.

 

Because athletic ability has nothing to do with baseball.

[jersey cubs fan]

why list that he won his high school's slam dunk contest?

 

he didn't write it up - it was a scouting report. I guess to show his athleticism?

 

I understand, my point is why is anybody listing it. It's useless info that tells us absolutely nothing about his ability to play baseball.

 

Because athletic ability has nothing to do with baseball.

 

Random athletic feats have nothing to do with baseball. It's like being able to jump over a car. Although winning your high schools slam dunk contest is even less impressive. The guy who won my high school slam dunk contest never played a minute of sports beyond high school.

[UK1679666180]

 

I wouldn't mind if the Cubs sent him to Boise rather than back to the MWL.

 

I think that would be best for him as well.

[DiamondMind]

why list that he won his high school's slam dunk contest?

 

he didn't write it up - it was a scouting report. I guess to show his athleticism?

 

I understand, my point is why is anybody listing it. It's useless info that tells us absolutely nothing about his ability to play baseball.

 

Because athletic ability has nothing to do with baseball.

 

Random athletic feats have nothing to do with baseball. It's like being able to jump over a car. Although winning your high schools slam dunk contest is even less impressive. The guy who won my high school slam dunk contest never played a minute of sports beyond high school.

 

Don't get me wrong, I understand your point, but I fail to understand how being able to do any feat like that is unimportant to include on a player profile. Also keep in mind its a young kid, there's probably not pages and pages of material to work with here.

[Banedon]

why list that he won his high school's slam dunk contest?

 

he didn't write it up - it was a scouting report. I guess to show his athleticism?

 

I understand, my point is why is anybody listing it. It's useless info that tells us absolutely nothing about his ability to play baseball.

 

Because athletic ability has nothing to do with baseball.

 

Random athletic feats have nothing to do with baseball. It's like being able to jump over a car. Although winning your high schools slam dunk contest is even less impressive. The guy who won my high school slam dunk contest never played a minute of sports beyond high school.

 

Don't get me wrong, I understand your point, but I fail to understand how being able to do any feat like that is unimportant to include on a player profile. Also keep in mind its a young kid, there's probably not pages and pages of material to work with here.

 

But it's an athletic feat that doesn't have any bearing on the other.

 

It'd be like putting that you once solved a Rubik's cube on your resume. It may show you're good at something that requires a level of intelligence, but it doesn't show you have the experience to do something else that requires intelligence.

[shnsajax]

why list that he won his high school's slam dunk contest?

 

he didn't write it up - it was a scouting report. I guess to show his athleticism?

 

I understand, my point is why is anybody listing it. It's useless info that tells us absolutely nothing about his ability to play baseball.

 

Because athletic ability has nothing to do with baseball.

 

Random athletic feats have nothing to do with baseball. It's like being able to jump over a car. Although winning your high schools slam dunk contest is even less impressive. The guy who won my high school slam dunk contest never played a minute of sports beyond high school.

 

Don't get me wrong, I understand your point, but I fail to understand how being able to do any feat like that is unimportant to include on a player profile. Also keep in mind its a young kid, there's probably not pages and pages of material to work with here.

 

I really dont see why it even matters. I don't mind knowing. I remember knowing Rick Wilkins was a state champion high school wrestler. It didn't mean anything to me, but when I met him in person way back when it was one of the first things I thoughh of just because he had Popeye sized forearms. Its just a tidbit to try to help the reader know more about the individual.

[TruffleShuffle]

While he does seem to have some potential (athletically and in terms of being very raw), his lack of power the last two years is disturbing. An IsoP of .057 this year and .085 last year? Juan Pierre might even laugh at that.

[UK1679666180]

 

But it's an athletic feat that doesn't have any bearing on the other.

 

It'd be like putting that you once solved a Rubik's cube on your resume. It may show you're good at something that requires a level of intelligence, but it doesn't show you have the experience to do something else that requires intelligence.

 

It shows his athletic ability, organizations use the SPARQ tests in baseball.

 

Vertical leap is one aspect of it. It's just another tool of many to grade a prospect on.

 

http://www.crossoveracademy.net/sparq.htm

[shnsajax]

 

But it's an athletic feat that doesn't have any bearing on the other.

 

It'd be like putting that you once solved a Rubik's cube on your resume. It may show you're good at something that requires a level of intelligence, but it doesn't show you have the experience to do something else that requires intelligence.

 

It shows his athletic ability, organizations use the SPARQ tests in baseball.

 

Vertical leap is one aspect of it. It's just another tool of many to grade a prospect on.

 

http://www.crossoveracademy.net/sparq.htm

 

I'm still holding out for his Wonderlic tests to come back before I make any judgement on him ;-).

[UK1679666180]

 

But it's an athletic feat that doesn't have any bearing on the other.

 

It'd be like putting that you once solved a Rubik's cube on your resume. It may show you're good at something that requires a level of intelligence, but it doesn't show you have the experience to do something else that requires intelligence.

 

It shows his athletic ability, organizations use the SPARQ tests in baseball.

 

Vertical leap is one aspect of it. It's just another tool of many to grade a prospect on.

 

http://www.crossoveracademy.net/sparq.htm

 

I'm still holding out for his Wonderlic tests to come back before I make any judgement on him ;-).

 

They have mental evaluations as well as in-depth vision tests.

[Guest]

From a Padres blog roundtable:

 

I admit to being a Burke fan. But he may be a little over his head in the Midwest League. There is no denying his talent. But he has more strikeouts than games played and has scuffled playing at this competition level. His at-bats have improved since the start of the year and I think he ends up in Eugene and blossoms.

 

Eugene is the Padres' affiliate in the NWL.

 

http://ducksnorts.com/blog/2007/06/monthly-roundtable-may-2007-part-2.html

[badger1679666666]

I think it's safe to say some of the commentary on him in the transaction thread (including calling him abysmal) was a bit premature.

[Banedon]

 

But it's an athletic feat that doesn't have any bearing on the other.

 

It'd be like putting that you once solved a Rubik's cube on your resume. It may show you're good at something that requires a level of intelligence, but it doesn't show you have the experience to do something else that requires intelligence.

 

It shows his athletic ability, organizations use the SPARQ tests in baseball.

 

Vertical leap is one aspect of it. It's just another tool of many to grade a prospect on.

 

http://www.crossoveracademy.net/sparq.htm

 

Well I'll take your word for it....I still have difficulty though seeing how dunking a basketball translates into hitting a baseball. Michael Jordan didn't exactly turn out too hot as far as baseball goes... :P

Edited June 20, 2007 by Banedon

[RonnieWooWooSanto]

why list that he won his high school's slam dunk contest?

 

he didn't write it up - it was a scouting report. I guess to show his athleticism?

 

I understand, my point is why is anybody listing it. It's useless info that tells us absolutely nothing about his ability to play baseball.

 

Because athletic ability has nothing to do with baseball.

 

Random athletic feats have nothing to do with baseball. It's like being able to jump over a car. Although winning your high schools slam dunk contest is even less impressive. The guy who won my high school slam dunk contest never played a minute of sports beyond high school.

 

Don't get me wrong, I understand your point, but I fail to understand how being able to do any feat like that is unimportant to include on a player profile. Also keep in mind its a young kid, there's probably not pages and pages of material to work with here.

 

But it's an athletic feat that doesn't have any bearing on the other.

 

It'd be like putting that you once solved a Rubik's cube on your resume. It may show you're good at something that requires a level of intelligence, but it doesn't show you have the experience to do something else that requires intelligence.

 

You mean I should change my resume'?

[Guest]

I think it's safe to say some of the commentary on him in the transaction thread (including calling him abysmal) was a bit premature.

 

He has been abysmal at Ft. Wayne - but he's way over his head. Padres sure were rushing him.

[Soriano12]

I think it's safe to say some of the commentary on him in the transaction thread (including calling him abysmal) was a bit premature.

 

Not really. He has been complete crap so far in the minors.

[YearofDaCubs]

I think it's safe to say some of the commentary on him in the transaction thread (including calling him abysmal) was a bit premature.

 

Not really. He has been complete crap so far in the minors.

Yeah, that.

[RonnieWooWooSanto]

I think it's safe to say some of the commentary on him in the transaction thread (including calling him abysmal) was a bit premature.

 

He has been abysmal at Ft. Wayne - but he's way over his head. Padres sure were rushing him.

 

Speaking of Ft. Wayne, how are the two pitchers that the Cubs got in the Scott Williamson deal doing? Are they still around?