Assessing the players: Desmond Jennings

Time for another assessment, this time we are looking at rookie outfielder Desmond Jennings. Jennings is one of the Rays most coveted and talented players in the system. He is a fast, sure-gloved outfielder that possess incredible skills. He was a late season call up, but never seemed comfortable at the plate and never truly made an impact. Let’s take a closer look at the speedy outfielder.

Jennings finished his short season with a batting average of .195, 0 home runs, 2 RBIs, 5 runs, and 2 stolen bases. He had 4 hits, 2 walks, 4 strikeouts, a slugging percentage of .333, and an on-base percentage of .292.

Jennings came up late in the season and never had the time to adjust to major league pitching. He seemed uncomfortable at the plate and unsure with opposing pitchers, leading to a bad batting average. This is not his fault, being called up late and thrown out to the AL pitching is very hard, especially after he had a down season in Durham and battled injuries. He stole 2 bases and showed that he has incredible speed and can be a consistent base stealing threat when he gets on base. He had one spot start in the outfield and played decently, having never dealt with the cat walks and strange dome of the Trop.

Jennings will enter the spring with the opportunity to win the starting job in left field, but the question is can he stay healthy and can he produce at the plate? He has all the tools, he just has to put it all together at the plate and help drive in runs, which he is more than capable of. Final grade: C