James Robbins Stats & Scouting Report

Full name James R. Robbins
Born 09/26/1990 in Shoreline, WA
Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: L / Throws: L
School Shorecrest
Drafted in the 30th round (900th overall) by the Detroit Tigers in 2009 (signed for $235,000).

View Draft Report

In a disappointing high school crop, another player teams are split on is James Robbins--though the division is whether he profiles better on the mound or in the batter's box. Robbins is 6 feet and a stocky 220 pounds, and if he ends up at Washington State he'll be a two-way player. He bats and throws lefthanded, which makes him intriguing on the mound even though he throws 86-90 mph. He has a heavy fastball and shows a breaking ball that has a chance to be average. Scouts who like him better as a hitter see above-average power potential. Robbins has good bat speed and swings with authority. Despite his wrecking-ball frame, Robbins is a good athlete who played some center field for his high school team. One scout noted that Robbins' father and older brother are very athletic and said Robbins will get himself into better shape after seeing what players look like at the next level--whether that's in college or pro ball.

Top Rankings

Teams were split on Robbins heading into the 2009 draft. Some liked him as a pitcher because he showed a heavy 86-90 mph fastball from the left side, while others preferred him as a hitter. His commitment to Washington State, where he would have played both ways, muddled the situation further. He lasted 30 rounds but ultimately signed for $235,000. The Tigers like his power potential and will make him a full-time hitter. He's a big, strong kid who swings with authority. He has good bat speed and the ball jumps off his bat. With a stout, pudgy frame, Robbins never will be confused with an elite athlete, and the Tigers already have shifted him to first base. He has an above-average arm and is learning the nuances of the position. Robbins has more speed than most 6-foot-1, 232-pounders, and he even played some center field in high school. He should be able to maintain good conditioning if he works at it. He'll jump to low Class A for his first full pro season.