Drafted in the 1st round (27th overall) by the Boston Red Sox in 2006 (signed for $1,300,000).
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Place is one of the best high school players to come out of South Carolina in several years. Scouts see him as a five-tool, blue-collar player with a great body who approaches the game in an aggressive and physical manner. Place has above-average speed that he uses well in the outfield and on the basepaths. His raw power rates as a 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale and is capable of producing both iron shots and high, majestic blasts over the fence. He also has plenty of arm strength to play right field, as evidenced by a 90-92 mph fastball he has shown on the mound. More than one scout compared Place to Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur, particularly with his aggressiveness at the plate and his power potential. A dead pull hitter, Place could pile up high strikeout totals early in his career. He also has battled a series of nagging injuries, particularly with pulled hamstrings, though a recent emphasis on flexibility training has led to improvements.
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The Red Sox knew Place's hitting mechanics would need an overhaul, but they couldn't resist his athleticism and chose him with the 27th overall pick in the 2006 draft. He signed for $1.3 million. Place struggled in his first full season, which wasn't unexpected. Place came into pro ball with a funny load to his swing, with his hands starting in the middle of his body and circling back. Boston has fixed his load and spread out his stance, giving him a shorter stride and better balance in his lower half. He further smoothed out his swing in Hawaii Winter Baseball, albeit with similar results. Now it's up to him to make consistent contact so he can take advantage of his above-average raw power and speed. Place has lots of bat speed and power to all fields, though he'll get pull-conscious at times. Besides his speed, he also has the instincts and route-running ability to play center field. He has a strong, accurate arm that would easily play in right field if needed. Lancaster would boost Place's numbers and confidence, but he may repeat low Class A this year.
The Red Sox used their top 2006 draft pick on Place, a high-ceilinged but raw high schooler-- exactly the type of player they've avoided during most of Theo Epstein's tenure as general manager. Place signed for $1.3 million and was just starting to hit his stride in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League when he was beaned, sidelining him for most of the final two weeks. Place repeatedly evokes Jeff Francoeur comparisons because of his aggressive approach and raw power. His tremendous bat speed allows him to drive the ball to all fields. He's an above-average runner and exceeded expectations defensively, showing the instincts, range and routes to possibly stay in center field. He has a plus arm that will fit easily in right if he moves there. Some clubs backed off Place in the draft because of concerns about his long-term ability to hit. He has a funny load, starting his hands in the middle of his body and circling them back into position. The Red Sox like his swing and his bat speed, and they think he'll be able to adjust. He can get overaggressive and pull-happy at the plate, which also diminishes his chances of making contact. Place returned to action and worked on his hitting mechanics in instructional league. It will take him time to adjust to each level, starting at low Class A in 2007, but his upside could well be worth the wait.
Minor League Top Prospects
Nagging leg injuries prevented Place from playing much of the summer before his senior year in high school, but he swung the bat well right out of the gate this spring and climbed draft boards quickly. The Red Sox took him 27th overall and signed him for $1.3 million. He stood out as easily the best prospect on the league champion Red Sox. Like Marrero, he oozes tools and potential. Place's approach is more aggressive, as he prefers to pull the ball. He swings and misses too often and will need improve his plate coverage. He can do damage when he makes contact, because his bat speed is exceptional and give him plus raw power. Place's feel for the game is easily underrated because his mature 6-foot-3, 205-pound frame and tools are so glaring. He gets good jumps and has above-average speed, making him a candidate to stay in center field. He also has plus arm strength and also profiles well in right field.
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