AB 2237
AVG .274
OBP .372
SLG .447
HR 66
  • Full name Nathaniel Lawrence Tenbrink
  • Born 12/21/1986 in Olathe, KS
  • Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: L / Throws: R
  • School Kansas State
  • Drafted in the 7th round (222nd overall) by the Seattle Mariners in 2008 (signed for $140,000).
    View Draft Report
    Tenbrink is fodder for the classic tools-vs.-performance argument. Scouts who like him project him as a possible third-rounder and rave about his physical gifts. He's a 6-foot-2, 204-pounder who has a loose lefthanded swing with loft in batting practice, not to mention a plus arm and solid-average speed. He's also an intense competitor and hard worker. Yet for everything Tenbrink has going for him, he hit just .251/.372/.459 and fielded .890 at the hot corner during the regular season. It's not a case of draftitis, as he posted similar numbers as a sophomore. Rather than letting his plus power come naturally, Tenbrink overswings and chases pitches too often during games. He needs to tone down his approach and force pitchers to challenge him. He also must harness his arm, as many of his errors come on throws. Tenbrink's two-run homer provided the difference in Kansas State's Big 12 Conference tournament-opening upset of Oklahoma State, and a hot postseason could push him up draft boards.

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