David Winfree
| AB | 2976 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .271 |
| OBP | .32 |
| SLG | .452 |
| HR | 104 |
- Full name David Lynn Winfree Jr.
- Born 08/05/1985 in Virginia Beach, VA
- Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 235 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School First Colonial
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Drafted in the 13th round (388th overall) by the Minnesota Twins in 2003.
View Draft Report
C/3B David Winfree projected as a possible first-rounder as a sophomore, but his game has not developed. His bat is still his best tool, but he may not have enough power to play first base and his arm doesn't work at third, the position he prefers. Scouts see potential for him behind the plate, but Winfree has expressed a reluctance to play the position. He's likely to end up in college at Clemson.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Righthanded power is getting harder to find, and the Twins have been patient with Winfree, who has as much as anyone in the system except for Angel Morales. They waited through his 2006 season, when he went home for a spell while questioning his commitment to the game. He has become a better competitor the last two seasons and slowly is unlocking his power. A solid run producer with a knack for situational hitting, Winfree finished third in the Eastern League in RBIs (87) and sixth in homers (19) last season. Never particularly selective, he cut down on his strikeouts while increasing his power numbers and walk rate while repeating Double-A. His power comes from his strength, especially in his forearms and hands. He generates leverage and bat speed and can drive the ball out to all fields. A solid athlete, Winfree seemed freed up by a move to right field, where his above-average arm strength played better than at third base. He's still learning some nuances of the outfield. He's passed through the Rule 5 draft twice now, but the Twins believe in his power. Winfree should get his first shot at Triple-A in 2009. -
With a strong start and a full season, Winfree might have pushed his way into the top 10, but neither of those things happened. After getting off to an 8-for-25 start in high Class A, he went back home to Virginia Beach--with the club's permission--because he felt he needed to go away from the game for a bit and regain his confidence. The time away helped him, and after a brief spell in extended spring training he returned to the Miracle for the season's final two months. He tried to make up for lost time in the Arizona Fall League, working on taking more pitches and being more patient. The Twins want to be patient with Winfree because he has outstanding strength, good bat speed and above-average raw power. He also has shown a knack for picking up RBIs and adjusts well to situational hitting, but the fact that he went AWOL brings his commitment to baseball into question. Defensively, Winfree doesn't do anything pretty but maximizes his fringy range and arm by working hard and showing good footwork. He still may prove too big for third and saw action at first base last year, but if his bat plays he could develop into a middle-of-the-order threat at either corner infield spot. He's ticketed for Double-A, where he could repeat his role in the AFL and split time at third base and DH with Matt Moses. -
While scouting Matt Moses as their 2003 first-round pick, the Twins came across Winfree at a rival high school. A prep catcher, Winfree moved to first base after Minnesota took him in the 13th round in 2003, then shifted to third base the last two seasons. That's where he will stay for now after bashing his way to the Twins' minor league player of the year award last summer, when he led the Midwest League in hits, RBIs and total bases. Few players in the system can match Winfree's power or ability to hit quality fastballs. He doesn't strike out excessively but could stand to draw a few more walks. With the organization's urging, he spread out his stance and flattened out his swing more last year. Winfree has strong makeup and a willingness to work, which dates to his decision to leave home after his junior year of high school to play in an advanced summer league in Ohio. A below-average runner, he has a big frame that eventually could land him back at first base. For now he shows average range and a slightly above-average arm at the hot corner. He still struggles with his footwork and decisions defensively. Winfree will advance to high Class A this year. -
When the Twins were zeroing in on Matt Moses as their 2003 first-rounder, they got a chance to see more of Winfree at a rival high school. Winfree had been a catcher, but the Twins tried him at first base in his pro debut, then moved him over to third base in 2004. Like fellow 2003 draftee Johnny Woodard, Winfree was overmatched in his first summer before making the necessary adjustments and displaying big-time power in year two. He has a big frame and the ability to turn around quality fastballs. His batting-practice sessions are among the most impressive in the system. Also like Woodard, he strikes out too much and doesn't walk enough. But the potential is there for everything to click. Winfree has plus makeup and dedication to his craft. He left home after his junior year of high school to play in an advanced summer league in Ohio. A below-average runner, Winfree has average range and a slightly better arm at third. He still could end up back behind the plate, but figures to start 2005 at the hot corner in low Class A.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Winfree needed two years in Rookie ball before he was ready for the MWL but had no trouble adapting once he got there. He launched a three-run homer in his final at-bat of the season, allowing him to edge Harvey 101-100 for the RBIs title, and he also led the league in hits. While Beloit's cozy Pohlman field did boost Winfree's numbers--he hit .318-11-59 at home and .270-5-42 on the road--he has the size (6-foot-3, 215 pounds), strength and swing to grow into legitimate power. Better plate discipline would help him in that regard. He uses the opposite field well, a good sign for a young hitter. A catcher in high school and a first baseman in his 2003 pro debut, Winfree still is learning the nuances of playing the hot corner. He committed 34 errors, tops among MWL third basemen, but has enough arm and actions to stay there.
