The
Rookie of the Year from 2001 will never be a power hitter, but he
doesn't care and is quickly learning to be a master at what he does
best: slap slap slap. His rookie batting average of .274 climbed
to .347 in 2002, and one should expect more of the same in 2003,
if not better.
As noted, he's
a slap hitter who makes decent contact. He's very quick out of the
box and down the line, which leads to many beat-out grounders if
fielders aren't aggressive. He hits to all parts of the field with
talent, but can sometimes look weak when it's obvious he's trying
to hit to a specific area. It's also noticable that he seems much
more focused when facing talented pitching, and sometimes looks
unnecessarily bad against inferior pitching.
After a horrid
rookie season from the mound, Dean improved in 2002, mainly with
his speed and ability to keep the ball down. He showed more of the
same in Winterball, and could be a sleeper from the mound. He has
no real curve, but he's getting real good at keeping the ball down.
From 2001 to 2002, in the same amount of innings, he dropped his
BBs by nine and increased his Ks by 13.
Dean has a flair
for the dramatic in the field, thanks greatly to usually fielding
for Morrison, who provides him with plenty of chances to show off.
He has good hands, range, and ability to rob homeruns. He's not
afraid to lay out. He will make the occasional error, but his great
plays overshadow them. |
