Josh Vitters vs Jason Heyward

[Stat Quo]

Who do you like in the long run do you expect Vitters to stick at third base or end up in the OF? Do you think Heyward will be moved to 1B or be in LF in the future. Does Heyward's upside and better power possibilities rate him higher than the somewhat more polished hitter in Vitters? Who makes a impact sooner and who would you compare them to?

[Ruzious]

Pure speculation at it's best. I mean, these guys are 17 or 18 years old and won't smell the majors for 3 years. I think there's a good chance the Braves move Heyward to 1B, since they have a bunch of quality OF prospects, and he's awfully big already for an OFer. Heyward did better in their short debuts, and I'm a Braves fan, so I'll guess Heyward.

[The Q]

I actually like Heyward better as well, but I think he'll play LF.

I think the Braves OF prospects are fairly overrated at this point.

[Stat Quo]

Pure speculation at it's best is always great . I agree with you guys on liking Heyward more than Vitters.

[The Q]

The thing with Vitters is that everything I've seen on him says poor discipline at the plate.

That's not really a good thing.

[Radar3454]

I am a Cubs fan and I like Heyward better also but I have not heard anything about poor plate discipline - he will probably learn it being a Cub though. I am worried if he will hit for enough power for a third baseman.

Here is rotoworld take on him

Considered the top high school bat entering the season, Vitters didn't disappoint and was considered by the Royals before going to the Cubs at pick No. 3. A 6'3", 190-pound third basemen, Vitters has a quick swing that generates consistently hard contact. It's the type of swing that should allow for Vitters to provide balanced offensive production at the majors, hitting for average while spraying doubles all over the yard and reaching 25 or 30 homers in his better years.

Vitters is a better bet than most high school hitters because of his polish, but he's probably going to be a better player in the majors that in fantasy leagues. His defense should help a big league club at third base, he doesn't have much speed, and he's not the power prospect that Heyward, LaPorta, or Moustakas are. Still, a third basemen who has a good chance to hit .300 with 25 homers is an excellent property, so Vitters is well worth waiting on.

[The Q]

I read from a couple of things (most notably Baseball America) that he didn't have great discipline.

[Navin101]

Originally Posted by The Q

I read from a couple of things (most notably Baseball America) that he didn't have great discipline.

PG Crosschecker said he had above average plate discipline for a HS hitter. Of course most publications will question a HS hitters' plate discipline (as they should) since they have never had a need for plate discipline except possibly in the showcases.

I think he has enough power to stick at third but his defense will move him to 1B or LF.

But I'd take Heyward anyways. Better plate discipline, better power, more likely to move up faster.

[The Q]

I read a few things against his discipline, but at the same time saying he had plus contact ability.

I'd still take Moose over both.

[Navin101]

You saw what Keith Law said about Moustakas?

Keith Law is an idiot.

[Radar3454]

I don't agree with him about everything and he can a bit arrogant for my taste but KLaw has a lot of good info and backs it up. His problem w/ Moose is that he thinks he will struggle to find a position which is valid IMO. I would take Heyward or Vitters over him.

[The Q]

I still think think he can stay at SS if guys like Jeter and jed Lowrie have a shot. There aren't alot of good defensive SSs anymore. I don't know why people act like there are. Unless you want an Adam Everett or an Omar Vizquel or a Julio Lugo I would DEFINATELY give guys like Moose and Soto (of the Reds org) a shot.

BTW, me and Law have butted heads greatly on current amateur players alot more than prospects.

[Navin101]

Keith Law is way better on prospects who've already played vs. guys who were recently drafted.

Moustakas is much more likely to stick at 3B (the SS talk is a pipe dream imo) than Vitters is. Vitters' D is really questionable. And Moustakas has better power and plate discipline. But Vitters is in Law's top 5. And he likes Dominguez, Detwiler and Alderson more than Moustakas?

[The Q]

Yeah, if Moose hadn't been drafted by the Royals there would be no question where his future position would be.

I still think he has a shot to play SS though. The Royals really have nothing to lose.