AB 1978
AVG .28
OBP .364
SLG .458
HR 74
  • Full name Richard Douglas Poythress
  • Born 08/11/1987 in Augusta, GA
  • Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 235 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Georgia
  • Drafted in the 2nd round (51st overall) by the Seattle Mariners in 2009 (signed for $694,800).
    View Draft Report
    After helping Georgia to the College World Series last season, Poythress has had an impressive follow-up season, hitting consistently as the anchor of Georgia's lineup. He recovered from a torn ACL in the fall of his freshman year to make 38 starts and hit .282. He's hit close to .390 the last two seasons with 36 home runs. Poythress does it more with strength, a polished approach and leverage in his swing rather than pure bat speed. He's more of a hitter rather than a slugger, lacking the raw power that Bulldogs shortstop Gordon Beckham showed. He ranked second in the Southeastern Conference in batting, slugging, on-base percentage and home runs while having a stellar junior season. His swing is geared to use the middle of the field, and he could hit for more power if he learns to pull for power better. Some scouts wonder if he'll hit for power against better velocity and consider him a solid hitter but more of a second-division player rather than a difference-maker. Poythress gave third base a whirl last summer in the Cape Cod League and in the fall but fits better defensively at first base, where his soft hands are an asset.

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