Analysts React to Garrett Whitley Being Selected by Rays

As Niskayuna superstar Garrett Whitley heard his name called on Monday night, MLB analysts reacted to the Capital Region product going No. 13 overall to the Rays:

Harold Reynolds: "You all know how bad the weather was up here this year. They didn't get outside very much. The showcases were important and the versatile profile. He can hit. I like the fact he's on an even plane and continues to stay consistent with the stroke. This is just a young man coming into his own. There's a lot of upside ahead of him still. Watching him play games, I thought the instincts jumped out - knowing how to take an extra base and going after different plays in the outfield. I was impressed."

Dan O'Dowd: "When I watched video of him, he reminded me of a young Jay Payton, who was quite the hitter. A good looking kid, I think he can stay in center field. Another good looking kid who's only going to get better with more reps."

Jonathan Mayo: "You never want to drop that kind of compliment on a guy (comparing him to Mike Trout). But no one thought Mike Trout was going to be that good that fast. But the tools are good, the bat speed is unbelievable. I don't know if he's going to have the same power as Mike Trout when it's all said and done but let's not worry about that right now."