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That Robbie Grossman is so hot right now, Robbie Grossman. Acquired in the Wandy Rodriguez trade from the Pirates along with Colton Cain and Rudy Owens, the Cy-Fair, switch-hitting native was taken in the 6th round of the 2008 draft and was lured from college with an over slot deal. Robbie spent four and part of a fifth season in the Pirates organization and almost a full season of ball in the Astros system before he got the call to the show and made his major league debut April 24th.
The book on Grossman reads that he's a versatile outfielder, with a average to above average glove, and a fantastic on base tool. Robbie has never seen his walk rate drop below 11% at any professional level. He doesn't hit for much power, but there's pop he may tap into as he develops. He's seen his slugging reach upwards of .450, and been over the .400 mark twice. Robbie fits the profile that Jeff Luhnow has targeted recently, in semi fleet footed outfielders with fantastic OBP, and will certainly get his shot to stick being a Luhnow guy. He hits from either side of the plate, with a track record of better numbers from the right batters box. I think there's enough life in Robbie's stick to become a .260/.360/.400 guy from near the top of the order with 15-20 homerun potential if he reaches his ceiling.
Stints on the disabled list for both JD Martinez and Justin Maxwell spurred the call-up of Grossman in late April. He was immediately slotted into the starting line-up, and in 28 games before being sent back down, he struggled to the tune of .198/.310/.243 over 111 plate appearances. There must have been something in the water at OKC, since being recalled Robbie has torched major league pitching with a slash line of .472/.525/.806. KIDS GOOD. STUDLY. While at AAA he focused on refining his approach and keeping the ball on a line or on the ground. Grossman has used his plate discipline tool even better since his recall, lowering his O-swing% (the percentage of pitches he swings at outside of the strikezone) to the low tune of 19.3%. Robbie has seen time at all three outfield spots and has fared well at each position, exhibiting position flexibility. Considering his ability to move around defensively, and his above average ability to get on base, Robbie's floor is as a fourth outfielder in a competitive lineup. That said, I believe he'll pan out to exceed his floor. A starting job is his to lose for the remainder of this season and probably next. I look forward to watching him develop. Below are his minor league numbers, as well as a video. Drink that sweet swing in, it always goes down smooth..
Year
|
Age
|
Tm
|
Lev
|
G
|
AB
|
R
|
H
|
2B
|
3B
|
HR
|
RBI
|
SB
|
CS
|
BB
|
SO
|
BA
|
OBP
|
SLG
|
OPS
|
18
|
Rk
|
5
|
16
|
3
|
3
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
4
|
7
|
.188
|
.381
|
.250
|
.631
|
||
19
|
A
|
116
|
451
|
83
|
120
|
21
|
2
|
5
|
42
|
35
|
12
|
75
|
164
|
.266
|
.373
|
.355
|
.728
|
||
20
|
A+
|
125
|
470
|
84
|
115
|
29
|
3
|
4
|
50
|
15
|
8
|
66
|
118
|
.245
|
.344
|
.345
|
.688
|
||
21
|
A+
|
134
|
490
|
127
|
144
|
34
|
2
|
13
|
56
|
24
|
10
|
104
|
111
|
.294
|
.418
|
.451
|
.869
|
||
2012
|
22
|
2 Teams
|
AA
|
131
|
485
|
81
|
129
|
28
|
6
|
10
|
47
|
13
|
11
|
77
|
121
|
.266
|
.376
|
.410
|
.786
|
22
|
AA
|
95
|
350
|
59
|
93
|
20
|
4
|
7
|
36
|
9
|
10
|
59
|
78
|
.266
|
.378
|
.406
|
.783
|
||
22
|
AA
|
36
|
135
|
22
|
36
|
8
|
2
|
3
|
11
|
4
|
1
|
18
|
43
|
.267
|
.371
|
.422
|
.793
|
||
23
|
AAA
|
70
|
253
|
42
|
71
|
11
|
2
|
2
|
20
|
15
|
8
|
48
|
66
|
.281
|
.396
|
.364
|
.760
|
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