Jabari Blash is fun. Never any doubt about that.
Of course, just saying “Jabari Blash” is fun.
And when you have a slugger named “Blash” who routinely deposits balls in the seats, then the “Blash Splash” tag is a natural. And that’s fun too.
But is Jabari Blash more than just fun to follow? Is he a legit prospect?
Prior to 2013, I have said “not really.” But now … “maybe.”
Absolutely, certainly … maybe!
First
off, Blash is the epitome of the dreaded “raw, toolsy” prospect. I
tend to be biased against the “raw, toolsy” prospects. Not per se but only the ones that quite evidently lack “plate skills.”
Alex Liddi was always a raw, toolsy prospect who lacked plate skills. Michael Saunders was raw and toolsy, but didn’t lack plate skills. Get the difference?
Can one succeed long-term in the majors without “plate skills”? Yes … but …
You have GOT to be a slugger. Moreover, you have got to be a “slugger who walks.”
