Reggie Willits

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #27 prospect in 2007
  Outfield depth isn't a strength of the system, as the Angels have placed an emphasis on signing infielders and pitchers in recent years. Their player-development department deserves credit for molding Tommy Murphy and Willits into dependable reserve outfielders. Willits made his major league debut in 2006, singling and scoring in his first major league game against the Royals before driving in the winning run in the 10th inning. Willits was used sparingly in the majors, but he led Los Angeles' full-season minor leaguers with a .327 average during his stint in Triple-A. Willits has gap power and utilizes a short, quick swing from both sides of the plate. He has made strides in his plate discipline, bunting and bat control. Balls down and in give him trouble, especially when he's hitting righthanded. Willits is an above-average defensive center fielder with an average arm and plus speed. After signing free agent Gary Matthews Jr., the Angels are set in the outfield for the near future, meaning that Willits could make their club as a reserve or return to Triple-A.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #28 prospect in 2006
  A senior sign out of Oklahoma after he led the Big 12 Conference with 37 steals in 2003, Willits has moved quickly as a pro--both on the bases and in his development. He already has reached Double-A and has swiped 98 bags in 317 pro games. He's not the only pro athlete in his family, as his sister Wendi played basketball in the WNBA. The primary center fielder on Arkansas' playoff team last summer, he drew Lenny Dykstra and Rusty Greer comparisons from manager Tom Gamboa for his all-out, gamer approach. Willits isn't a slap hitter, but he has limited power and is at his best when he keeps the ball on the ground to utilize his plus speed. He improved his plate discipline in 2005 but still needs to make more contact to become a big league leadoff man. He worked on his bunting in winter ball in Puerto Rico. Balls down and in give him trouble, especially when he hits from the right side of the plate, and he has trouble handling good changeups as well. He's a solid-average center fielder with an average arm. Willits had laser eye surgery before spring training in 2004, and a second eye operation after last season to decrease his sensitivity to light. He'll advance to Triple-A in 2006.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #24 prospect in 2005
  While the Angels boast one of baseball's deepest systems, they're surprisingly bereft of impact-potential outfielders. Former scouting director Donny Rowland planned to address that weakness in the 2003 draft, targeting outfielders Chris Lubanski, Lastings Milledge, Brian Anderson and Brad Snyder--but all were gone by the time Anaheim's first pick arrived at No. 23. Changing plans, Rowland spent mid-round picks on Blake Balkcom (fifth round), Willits (seventh) and Stantrel Smith (16th; he signed as a draft-and-follow in 2004). Willits is the best of that group, offering an intriguing combination of tools and skill. His sister Wendi played basketball in the WNBA and Willits is similarly gifted athletically. He's a solid-average runner with good instincts on the bases. He led the Big 12 Conference with 37 steals as a senior at Oklahoma in 2003 and handles the bat well from both sides of the plate. To utilize his wheels, he works walks and employs primarily a slap approach. His power is mainly shooting the ball into the gaps, though he tends to get around balls when batting lefthanded and needs to keep his hands in better. He also must make more consistent contact. Willits is a sound center fielder with good range and a slightly above-average arm, but he can improve his reads off the bat. He has good makeup, is consumed with the game and was one of the organization's most pleasant surprises in 2004. He'll hold down a spot in the Double-A outfield this year.