2018 Fall Instructional League

Let me put it this way about Casas, when I saw Travis Shaw.....I was sure after looking at his body and performance for the 1st time, he had no chance at all. When I saw Lin, I was sure he was a waste of such a large bonus. I have to say, Casas looked poor at 3rd and not terribly athletic. He is really gawky. But I will say, he really takes his job seriously. When everyone else had finished their warm-ups, he alone stayed out in the outfield, before the game, running and stretching for an extra 10 minutes.


I'm sure he will grow into that large body of his, and make me hit my words once again (I hope he does!). What a complex job scouts have. Looking at a "kid" and projecting is hard. Danny Diaz is a big kid who reminded me physically of Miguel Cabrera. But his swing is real long and raw. He played at 1st base the whole game. He is somewhat soft looking currently, but a year into their weight program will change that.


Trey Ball shocked me how he has changed physically since the 1st time I saw him in Port Charlotte soon after he was drafted. Full beard, lots of hair, and much stronger. He hit twice and was unimpressive. Flores played short and looked fine. Few chances in the field, but a quick bat with no hits. Nick Decker blew me away! Huge forearms and super hustle. His 1st at bat, he hit a short liner into right center that the centerfielder didn't get back in quickly, and was running out of the gate and slide in safely at 2nd with a hustle double! Very impressive legs. The next time up, against a lefty, he hits a shot up the middle for a solid single. On the 3rd pitch to the next batter, the catcher has a passed ball, and Decker when from 1st to 3rd!! From where I was sitting, he was safe. Our 3rd base coach was quite upset, but just sort of hugged Nick for his display of awareness and hustle.