2022 Prospect Previews: Noah Miller

Let us hope that we have finally drafted a SS that will stay at SS.  

I have no problem with this draft pick and being a local kid    should help draw fans.

Nice description of kid's potential.  Frankly, I thought the Twins reached a bit for this kid.  I know they like to draft shortstops, but I guess I am a bit worried that if he doesn't make it as a shortstop, he lacks the offensive upside to be an asset elsewhere on the diamond.  But, I confess I have not seen him play, and the scouts have, so I hope my concern is unfounded.  Maybe he could be a Kolten Wong type player at second base if he doesn't make it at short.

I think he's going to be a relatively slow riser making steady yearly progress. He sure sounds like a good all around athlete with the ability to stick at SS. I think the key for him will be adding some muscle/power to his bat without outgrowing the position physically. 

I like that he is a switch hitter and that he has good defensive instincts.  I just don't think he will be able to stick at Short.  I was OK with the pick mainly because he is switch hitter and they are kind of hard to find these days and I do think he will hit and I think he will hit for power.  Personally I see him in a utility role but will have to wait and see as it takes a while to see how the high school players are going to develop.

I certainly hope he reaches his highest potential but I see 2nd or 3rd base in his future and I think the bat will play at either spot in the end.  It felt like the pick was a reach but also a fairly safe pick for a guy who should work out just fine somewhere in the infield. 

16 hours ago, Dman said:

I like that he is a switch hitter and that he has good defensive instincts.  I just don't think he will be able to stick at Short.  I was OK with the pick mainly because he is switch hitter and they are kind of hard to find these days and I do think he will hit and I think he will hit for power.  Personally I see him in a utility role but will have to wait and see as it takes a while to see how the high school players are going to develop.

I certainly hope he reaches his highest potential but I see 2nd or 3rd base in his future and I think the bat will play at either spot in the end.  It felt like the pick was a reach but also a fairly safe pick for a guy who should work out just fine somewhere in the infield. 

Why don't you see him sticking at SS? He appears to have the skills to compete there and of all his tools right now the glove looks the best. The concerns seem to be more about his offensive potential, and if he's a plus defensively, it's certainly easier to absorb a bad bat when it's at SS, even in today's game.

I don't see him rushing through the system, but if he can start at Ft. Myers this season and go one level per year, this will look like a very good pick, I think. I'm always less worried about a player's power production a) in general, as I think it's easier to add, and b) for an 18 year old.

Thanks for the report on this kid, Jamie.  

Being from Wisconsin, he was a favorite of mine from the moment he was drafted.  Loved that he is considered a better prospect than his brother, who has already made it to Cleveland.

Contrary to the common belief, I see no reason why this kid can't move a lot faster than most expect.  Bring it on, Noah.

3 hours ago, jmlease1 said:

Why don't you see him sticking at SS? He appears to have the skills to compete there and of all his tools right now the glove looks the best. The concerns seem to be more about his offensive potential, and if he's a plus defensively, it's certainly easier to absorb a bad bat when it's at SS, even in today's game.

I don't see him rushing through the system, but if he can start at Ft. Myers this season and go one level per year, this will look like a very good pick, I think. I'm always less worried about a player's power production a) in general, as I think it's easier to add, and b) for an 18 year old.

The main reason is he is a 50 runner.  He is only going to get bigger and likely slower.  Almost all the young SS that start out as 50 runners seem to end up moving off the position to second or third.  Sounds like he has has good actions and the arm looks good enough but the odds are against him sticking there IMO.  I could see him filling in at short but IMO he will grow out of the position.  Never say never but again I think the odds are against him. 

I also think that is why he was rated in the 100 range as a 3rd or 4th round pick.  If evaluators thought he would be a top tier shortstop he would have been ranked close to first round or top 40 picks where the Twins took him.  Like I said he is a risky bet to stay there.