Talent evaluators' takes on new Yankee Jacoby Ellsbury
Boston Red Sox's Jacoby Ellsbury celebrates after scoring on a hit by Shane Victorino in the seventh inning. (Oct. 8, 2013) Credit: AP
There is no disputing Jacoby Ellsbury's skills on the field, or the contributions he made toward pushing the Red Sox toward the World Series championship. Nevertheless, Ellsbury's defection to the Yankees this week was greeted with mixed reviews by industry insiders, who balked at the size of his seven-year, $153-million contract.
Evaluators cited Ellsbury's lengthy injury history and his reliance on speed -- which may diminish with age -- as reasons for concern. These also are some of the reasons that the Red Sox never made a major push to retain their centerfielder.
One scout called Ellsbury's skill set "a mixed bag," but also pointed toward Ellsbury's elite defense in the outfield, his ability to create havoc on the bases, and his ability to pound fastballs, which may translate into a possible power bump when his lefty swing arrives at Yankee Stadium. "He's just a terrific athlete," the scout said.
Here's more takes on Ellsbury from talent evaluators:
More Yankees headlines
