Getting to know your prospects: Bryson Myles
Name: Bryson Myles
Position: Outfielder
Current team: Double-A Akron RubberDucks
Age: 24
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 230
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Facts & Info: Myles was selected in the 6th round of the 2011 Draft out of Stephen F. Austin University (TX). He received a scholarship offer out of high school to play linebacker at TCU, but that scholarship was later pulled by the TCU coaches when he wouldn't drop baseball and commit to play football only.
The Offense: Myles is an athlete who combines both power and speed to impact the game in many different ways. His physical attributes as a hitter are impressive as he has a very strong lower half and powerful frame that give him the base from which to use his quick wrists and good bat speed to drive balls and hit for average. He has only just started to tap into the power he is capable of having as he has the raw power to hit the ball out of any part of the ballpark once he refines his swing and approach and he projects to have solid average power.
The Defense: Myles is improving defensively and has the potential to be an average defender in center field or left field. He is limited to left field and center field as an everyday player because of his fringe average arm, but his athleticism and speed give him the versatility to play all three positions and fill in at right field when needed. He is a plus runner with well above average times down the line to first base and is still developing as a base-runner on the basepaths.
The Intangibles: He is still learning the game as he did not concentrate on it full time until his freshman year in college, though the consistency of his game and the evolution of his tools have improved over the past few seasons. He plays the game with a football mentality and has a no fear, aggressive approach in a game from start to finish. He is a high character, good makeup player who really takes pride in the work he does off the field to be prepared to play games each night.
The Focus: The main focus with Myles right now is refining his approach. The entire package is there for him physically, so it is just the mental part of hitting with developing his approach and swinging at strikes in the zone. When he stays consistent with his plan and really attacks balls in the zone he shines with his performance, so it is that consistency that is going to make or break him as a prospect.
The Future: The power-speed combo with Myles has always been tantalizing to prospect followers since the day the Indians drafted him. He is someone who has a lot of upside and potential and the Indians are excited to continue working with him and get him to reach his potential.