Nathan Church

[Shady]

Shady, I usually don’t even respond to your post or reach your post, but take some advice, people do not view you as a serious poster. They view you has an attention whore clown. You have multiple personalities on here arguing with yourself. You really have some issues that you may need to get checked out. I wish you the best.

Buzz off, you superiority complex buffoon. I'm, basically, the ONLY CT poster that forecast Burleson's success as a MLB hitter. Maybe you and others need to rethink that "don't take serious" mumbojumbo. By the way, i don't give a ratsazz what you think.

I have to hand it to you, you were right about Burly! As far as the endless mudslinging of this place I would just laugh it off. It's a stupid message board that many people take waaaay too seriously. Then again, I don't post here as much as I do reddit, where if you breathe out of the wrong nostril you get downvoted.

He said Burleson was “the next Tony Gwynn.” The many posters who predicted Burleson could be a good role player were much closer to reality than Shady was.

You need to be happy Burleson is as good as he is instead of just trying to save face. You and many others never said many positive comments about Burleson until he started producing. I called it much before that and you know it. Consider of all the other higher rated prospects that didn't produce like Burly has. And he's only 26.

[NYCardsFan]

Shady, I usually don’t even respond to your post or reach your post, but take some advice, people do not view you as a serious poster. They view you has an attention whore clown. You have multiple personalities on here arguing with yourself. You really have some issues that you may need to get checked out. I wish you the best.

Buzz off, you superiority complex buffoon. I'm, basically, the ONLY CT poster that forecast Burleson's success as a MLB hitter. Maybe you and others need to rethink that "don't take serious" mumbojumbo. By the way, i don't give a ratsazz what you think.

I have to hand it to you, you were right about Burly! As far as the endless mudslinging of this place I would just laugh it off. It's a stupid message board that many people take waaaay too seriously. Then again, I don't post here as much as I do reddit, where if you breathe out of the wrong nostril you get downvoted.

He said Burleson was “the next Tony Gwynn.” The many posters who predicted Burleson could be a good role player were much closer to reality than Shady was.

You need to be happy Burleson is as good as he is instead of just trying to save face. You and many others never said many positive comments about Burleson until he started producing. I called it much before that and you know it. Consider of all the other higher rated prospects that didn't produce like Burly has. And he's only 26.

Why would I need to save face? At age 26, Tony Gwynn posted 6.2 fWAR. By contrast, in his best season so far, Burleson is on pace for approx. 1.8 fWAR. Fangraphs defines a “role player” as 1-2 fWAR, and a “solid starter” as 2-3 fWAR. So once again, the people who predicted Burleson could be a good role player or even low-end starter were much closer to “right” than you were (“the next Tony Gwynn”).

[Cardinals4Life]

Any posters on here able to give an evaluation of Church’s defensive ability. Particularly in CF

I've seen him play in person quite a bit. (Actually saw him this afternoon.) He is very solid defensively with a plus arm in the OF. Has the ability to play all 3 OF positions well. I think he will be fine in the OF in the bigs. Would like to see him play in Memphis a bit longer, though. I do like how he plays - has some fire/passion. Plays hard

[cosmo.kramer]

Any posters on here able to give an evaluation of Church’s defensive ability. Particularly in CF

He's good, defensively. He would probably be a better hitter than Scott, too. He seems to be making Nootbaar expendable.

Do any real informative posters have a real observation on Church’s defense in centerfield?

Have seen him in person across a few levels of ball. Traditionally more of a RF due to his arm (was a former pitcher before TJ), but he definitely has the speed and instincts to play CF.

[renostl]

Any posters on here able to give an evaluation of Church’s defensive ability. Particularly in CF

I don't get to see anywhere near as much as in the past. From MLB.com
it sounds as though glove and speed are his attributes, that I'm sure that you have read.

"What immediately catches scouts’ attention with Church is his plus-plus speed. He can burst out of the box as a left-handed hitter and press infielders on any ground ball, and he’s a consistent and efficient threat to steal bags. With that speed, he can track down balls all over the grass and continually popped up in highlight reels for his ability to close down on balls. His arm strength works anywhere, and he’s rotated between all three spots in his career."

70/60/60 run/arm/field

Hit was always his question marks.

[hugeCardfan]

Any posters on here able to give an evaluation of Church’s defensive ability. Particularly in CF

I don't get to see anywhere near as much as in the past. From MLB.com
it sounds as though glove and speed are his attributes, that I'm sure that you have read.

"What immediately catches scouts’ attention with Church is his plus-plus speed. He can burst out of the box as a left-handed hitter and press infielders on any ground ball, and he’s a consistent and efficient threat to steal bags. With that speed, he can track down balls all over the grass and continually popped up in highlight reels for his ability to close down on balls. His arm strength works anywhere, and he’s rotated between all three spots in his career."

70/60/60 run/arm/field

Hit was always his question marks.

On the contrary, in HS and college hitting was his special weapon. Power was the only question mark. His fielding has drawn significant attention the last 2 years as it has ratcheted up a few notches; he gets to balls others can't and his arm is strong and on target. In ST he made numerous highlight reel plays. He is the real deal and has soared up the prospect list in June from 42 to 23. I think he's better than that, but is punished for being in the system so long ('22 pick).

There was never a question about his ability to put the bat to the ball. Not since he was a toddler in his back yard.

[rage-STL]

Any posters on here able to give an evaluation of Church’s defensive ability. Particularly in CF

This is from the Cardinals Top 30 prospects page on the MLB app.

Nathan Church: #16

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 40 | Run: 70 | Arm: 60 | Field: 60 | Overall: 40

Church was Paul Skenes’ high-school teammate at El Toro High School in Lake Forest, California, and headed to UC Irvine from there. He set the Anteaters’ single-season record with 100 hits in 2021, returned for a solid season in 2022 and went in the 11th round to the Cardinals that summer, signing for $125,000. He was an average performer for High-A Peoria in 2023 and climbed to Double-A with solid results (.263/.331/.373, nine homers, 24 steals) last season. Church rounded out his second full season in the Arizona Fall League, where he hit .364/.397/.418 in 15 games.

What immediately catches scouts’ attention with Church is his plus-plus speed. He can burst out of the box as a left-handed hitter and press infielders on any ground ball, and he’s a consistent and efficient threat to steal bags. With that speed, he can track down balls all over the grass and continually popped up in highlight reels for his ability to close down on balls. His arm strength works anywhere, and he’s rotated between all three spots in his career.

Whether Church hits enough to be more than a fourth outfielder remains in question. Without a noisy operation in the box, he shows promising contact rates against all types of pitches, though he’ll chase a bit on soft stuff. He isn’t a huge power threat, however, and perhaps got under too many balls, leading to a high infield popup rate. Improving the quality of contact would get his speed into the game more, even if it’s just on balls to the gaps. But even under his current skill set, Church could be a fun throwback fourth outfielder who helps with his wheels and glove.

[renostl]

Any posters on here able to give an evaluation of Church’s defensive ability. Particularly in CF

I don't get to see anywhere near as much as in the past. From MLB.com
it sounds as though glove and speed are his attributes, that I'm sure that you have read.

"What immediately catches scouts’ attention with Church is his plus-plus speed. He can burst out of the box as a left-handed hitter and press infielders on any ground ball, and he’s a consistent and efficient threat to steal bags. With that speed, he can track down balls all over the grass and continually popped up in highlight reels for his ability to close down on balls. His arm strength works anywhere, and he’s rotated between all three spots in his career."

70/60/60 run/arm/field

Hit was always his question marks.

On the contrary, in HS and college hitting was his special weapon. Power was the only question mark. His fielding has drawn significant attention the last 2 years as it has ratcheted up a few notches; he gets to balls others can't and his arm is strong and on target. In ST he made numerous highlight reel plays. He is the real deal and has soared up the prospect list in June from 42 to 23. I think he's better than that, but is punished for being in the system so long ('22 pick).

There was never a question about his ability to put the bat to the ball. Not since he was a toddler in his back yard.

Just relaying what those very same scouts gave him 45/40 hit/power.
Prior to this season that seems slightly undersold. 1300 abs .278/.351/.394/.745
This season he's doing as you say.

Bottom line he is earning a shot that we need him to excel at and I do not care who
gets kicked to the bench if he does.

[cosmo.kramer]

Any posters on here able to give an evaluation of Church’s defensive ability. Particularly in CF

This is from the Cardinals Top 30 prospects page on the MLB app.

Nathan Church: #16

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 40 | Run: 70 | Arm: 60 | Field: 60 | Overall: 40

Church was Paul Skenes’ high-school teammate at El Toro High School in Lake Forest, California, and headed to UC Irvine from there. He set the Anteaters’ single-season record with 100 hits in 2021, returned for a solid season in 2022 and went in the 11th round to the Cardinals that summer, signing for $125,000. He was an average performer for High-A Peoria in 2023 and climbed to Double-A with solid results (.263/.331/.373, nine homers, 24 steals) last season. Church rounded out his second full season in the Arizona Fall League, where he hit .364/.397/.418 in 15 games.

What immediately catches scouts’ attention with Church is his plus-plus speed. He can burst out of the box as a left-handed hitter and press infielders on any ground ball, and he’s a consistent and efficient threat to steal bags. With that speed, he can track down balls all over the grass and continually popped up in highlight reels for his ability to close down on balls. His arm strength works anywhere, and he’s rotated between all three spots in his career.

Whether Church hits enough to be more than a fourth outfielder remains in question. Without a noisy operation in the box, he shows promising contact rates against all types of pitches, though he’ll chase a bit on soft stuff. He isn’t a huge power threat, however, and perhaps got under too many balls, leading to a high infield popup rate. Improving the quality of contact would get his speed into the game more, even if it’s just on balls to the gaps. But even under his current skill set, Church could be a fun throwback fourth outfielder who helps with his wheels and glove.

Write up is from before this season started, just fyi. Curious what they'll write if he finishes the year strong given the promising display of power

[MIDMOBIRDTWO]

Any posters on here able to give an evaluation of Church’s defensive ability. Particularly in CF

He's good, defensively. He would probably be a better hitter than Scott, too. He seems to be making Nootbaar expendable.

Do any real informative posters have a real observation on Church’s defense in centerfield?

Great arm, good speed, not as fast as Scott, but gets good jumps on balls and seems to have good instincts.

[hugeCardfan]

Any posters on here able to give an evaluation of Church’s defensive ability. Particularly in CF

I don't get to see anywhere near as much as in the past. From MLB.com
it sounds as though glove and speed are his attributes, that I'm sure that you have read.

"What immediately catches scouts’ attention with Church is his plus-plus speed. He can burst out of the box as a left-handed hitter and press infielders on any ground ball, and he’s a consistent and efficient threat to steal bags. With that speed, he can track down balls all over the grass and continually popped up in highlight reels for his ability to close down on balls. His arm strength works anywhere, and he’s rotated between all three spots in his career."

70/60/60 run/arm/field

Hit was always his question marks.

On the contrary, in HS and college hitting was his special weapon. Power was the only question mark. His fielding has drawn significant attention the last 2 years as it has ratcheted up a few notches; he gets to balls others can't and his arm is strong and on target. In ST he made numerous highlight reel plays. He is the real deal and has soared up the prospect list in June from 42 to 23. I think he's better than that, but is punished for being in the system so long ('22 pick).

There was never a question about his ability to put the bat to the ball. Not since he was a toddler in his back yard.

Just relaying what those very same scouts gave him 45/40 hit/power.
Prior to this season that seems slightly undersold. 1300 abs .278/.351/.394/.745
This season he's doing as you say.

Bottom line he is earning a shot that we need him to excel at and I do not care who
gets kicked to the bench if he does.

I think scouts had a little trouble figuring out what he was about in college. He was a two way and a pretty good pitcher. Unfortunately, college ate him up with TJ surgery and wrist surgery in separate years. I don't blame scouts for not having a full picture, but if you go back to folks who knew him in HS they would tell you he was a very good hitter from the gitgo. Early minors was full of coaching to specific skills. Only lately has he put it all together on the farm and has owned Springfield and Memphis.

Interestingly, the power has begun to show.

https://sgfcitizen.org/springfield-spor ... homestand/

[renostl]

Any posters on here able to give an evaluation of Church’s defensive ability. Particularly in CF

I don't get to see anywhere near as much as in the past. From MLB.com
it sounds as though glove and speed are his attributes, that I'm sure that you have read.

"What immediately catches scouts’ attention with Church is his plus-plus speed. He can burst out of the box as a left-handed hitter and press infielders on any ground ball, and he’s a consistent and efficient threat to steal bags. With that speed, he can track down balls all over the grass and continually popped up in highlight reels for his ability to close down on balls. His arm strength works anywhere, and he’s rotated between all three spots in his career."

70/60/60 run/arm/field

Hit was always his question marks.

On the contrary, in HS and college hitting was his special weapon. Power was the only question mark. His fielding has drawn significant attention the last 2 years as it has ratcheted up a few notches; he gets to balls others can't and his arm is strong and on target. In ST he made numerous highlight reel plays. He is the real deal and has soared up the prospect list in June from 42 to 23. I think he's better than that, but is punished for being in the system so long ('22 pick).

There was never a question about his ability to put the bat to the ball. Not since he was a toddler in his back yard.

Just relaying what those very same scouts gave him 45/40 hit/power.
Prior to this season that seems slightly undersold. 1300 abs .278/.351/.394/.745
This season he's doing as you say.

Bottom line he is earning a shot that we need him to excel at and I do not care who
gets kicked to the bench if he does.

I think scouts had a little trouble figuring out what he was about in college. He was a two way and a pretty good pitcher. Unfortunately, college ate him up with TJ surgery and wrist surgery in separate years. I don't blame scouts for not having a full picture, but if you go back to folks who knew him in HS they would tell you he was a very good hitter from the gitgo. Early minors was full of coaching to specific skills. Only lately has he put it all together on the farm and has owned Springfield and Memphis.

Interestingly, the power has begun to show.

https://sgfcitizen.org/springfield-spor ... homestand/

Thanks for the link.
I could only wish about being around ballparks and players like in the past.
In Montana now, may as well be Alaska for baseball.

Basil asked about Church and I only relayed what a poster like Basil already read along with
opinion that defense, athlete seems strong.

Have you seen much of his play?

[JDW]

Would a LHH version of Shane Robinson be a fair comp?

[An Old Friend]

Any posters on here able to give an evaluation of Church’s defensive ability. Particularly in CF

He's good, defensively. He would probably be a better hitter than Scott, too. He seems to be making Nootbaar expendable.

Do any real informative posters have a real observation on Church’s defense in centerfield?

This is my favorite post in a long time

[ggnoobs]

He strikes me as a left handed Shane Robinson

[cosmo.kramer]

Any posters on here able to give an evaluation of Church’s defensive ability. Particularly in CF

I don't get to see anywhere near as much as in the past. From MLB.com
it sounds as though glove and speed are his attributes, that I'm sure that you have read.

"What immediately catches scouts’ attention with Church is his plus-plus speed. He can burst out of the box as a left-handed hitter and press infielders on any ground ball, and he’s a consistent and efficient threat to steal bags. With that speed, he can track down balls all over the grass and continually popped up in highlight reels for his ability to close down on balls. His arm strength works anywhere, and he’s rotated between all three spots in his career."

70/60/60 run/arm/field

Hit was always his question marks.

On the contrary, in HS and college hitting was his special weapon. Power was the only question mark. His fielding has drawn significant attention the last 2 years as it has ratcheted up a few notches; he gets to balls others can't and his arm is strong and on target. In ST he made numerous highlight reel plays. He is the real deal and has soared up the prospect list in June from 42 to 23. I think he's better than that, but is punished for being in the system so long ('22 pick).

There was never a question about his ability to put the bat to the ball. Not since he was a toddler in his back yard.

Just relaying what those very same scouts gave him 45/40 hit/power.
Prior to this season that seems slightly undersold. 1300 abs .278/.351/.394/.745
This season he's doing as you say.

Bottom line he is earning a shot that we need him to excel at and I do not care who
gets kicked to the bench if he does.

I think scouts had a little trouble figuring out what he was about in college. He was a two way and a pretty good pitcher. Unfortunately, college ate him up with TJ surgery and wrist surgery in separate years. I don't blame scouts for not having a full picture, but if you go back to folks who knew him in HS they would tell you he was a very good hitter from the gitgo. Early minors was full of coaching to specific skills. Only lately has he put it all together on the farm and has owned Springfield and Memphis.

Interestingly, the power has begun to show.

https://sgfcitizen.org/springfield-spor ... homestand/

Also set the record for most hits in a season at UCI (was 3rd in all NCAA that year). Dude can rake