Better Know a Prospect: Melky Mesa

Melky Mesa Born: 31 January 1987 in Bajas de Haina, DR Bats/Throws: Right/Right Height/Weight: 6'1"/165 pounds Signed: 2003, amateur free agent 2010 Statistics Tampa (High-A) - .260/.338/.475, 21 2B, 9 3B, 19 HR, 31 SB (9 CS), 137 wRC+ There has been a considerable amount of discussion about Mesa following his being named the Florida State League Player of the Year. Over the last few years, Mesa has been the sort of prospect that garners staunch support or scathing opposition, and not much in between. Those that believe in Mesa point to his strong power-speed combination, fine defensive play, and his lean, muscular build. Naysayers decry his high strikeout totals and history of low batting-average (particularly as he was signed with the dreaded "five tool" label). I find myself quite lonely on the middle ground. Mesa's strikeout numbers are quite disconcerting - he has struck out in 31.0%, 35.9%, 31.1%, 33.8%, and 28.9% of his plate appearances o...