Randal Grichuk

Randal Grichuk

St. Louis Cardinals – No. 19
Center fielder
Born: (1991-08-13) August 13, 1991
Rosenberg, Texas
Bats: Right Throws: Right
MLB debut
April 28, 2014, for the St. Louis Cardinals
MLB statistics
(through 2016 season)
Batting average .254
Home runs 44
Runs batted in 123
Teams

Randal Alexander Grichuk (born August 13, 1991) is a 25 year old American professional baseball center fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball (MLB). The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim drafted him in the first round of the 2009 MLB Draft from Lamar Consolidated High School in Rosenberg, Texas. He played five seasons in the Angels' minor leagues system, losing time to injury but also developing home-run hitting ability throughout. The Angels traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals in November 2013, and he made his major league debut on April 28, 2014.

Acclaim has followed Grichuk for his power-hitting ability, speed and defense. He plays all three outfield positions, possessing a strong arm and patrolling mainly right field in the minor leagues. Originally projected to be a first baseman before the draft, he improved his outfield defense and won the Gold Glove Award for all minor league right fielders in 2013.

Early life and amateur career

In 2003 and 2004, Grichuk participated in the Little League World Series for Lamar National of Richmond, Texas.[1] He was featured in Sports Illustrated's "Faces in the Crowd" section in July 2005.[2]

Grichuk attended Lamar Consolidated High School in Rosenberg, Texas. In 2008, as a Lamar Consolidated Baseball player, he was a First Team All-State OF and the All-Houston Area Most Valuable Player (MVP). That season, Grichuk batted .435 with 18 HR and 45 RBI, leading the mustangs to a school record 29 wins and a Regional Final appearance. In 2009 he was the 24-4A District MVP, Fort Bend Area MVP, 2009 1st Team All State OF, and 2009 1st Team All-American (EA Sports and Baseball America). In 28 games he hit .613 with 21 HR, 46 hits, 46 RBI and 47 runs before Lamar was defeated in the third round of the playoffs.

Professional career

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2009–13)

Grichuk committed to attend the University of Arizona.[3] The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim drafted Grichuk in the first round, with the 24th overall selection, in the 2009 MLB Draft, one selection ahead of Mike Trout.[4] Grichuk signed with the Angels, rather than attend college.

A series of three unusual injuries delayed the outfield prospect's development. First, he tore a ligament after just 12 games in 2010. Second, he batted a foul ball that fractured his knee cap. Finally, while diving for a ball, he broke his wrist. In 2012, his first full season, Grichuk played 135 games and batted .298 with 18 home runs and 71 runs batted in with the Class-A Inland Empire 66ers. After a promotion to the Double-A Arkansas Travelers in 2013, he made 128 appearances, batting .256 with 22 HR and 64 RBI.[5] In October, 2013, Rawlings and MiLB announced Grichuk was the recipient of the Minor League Gold Glove Award for right field.[6]

MLB.com ranked Grichuk as the Angels' No. 4 prospect after the 2013 season, and the club added him to their 40-man roster on November 20, 2013.[7] Two days later, they traded him along with Peter Bourjos to the St. Louis Cardinals for David Freese and Fernando Salas.[8]

St. Louis Cardinals (2014–present)

2014−15

Grichuk races in St.Louis.

Grichuk began the 2014 season with the Memphis Redbirds of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League.[9] The Cardinals promoted him to the majors for the first time on April 28, 2014, after he had batted .310 with a .359 OBP, .529 SLG, six walks and 17 strikeouts.[10] He debuted as a defensive replacement in the outfield that day. Grichuk made his first major league start in center field the next day, collecting a single in five at-bats for his first major league hit.[11] The Cardinals optioned him back to Memphis shortly thereafter. On May 21, he showed the authorities what he could do with a big game-winning home run versus the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, giving an anonymous fan an autograph after the game. Shortly afterwards, the Cardinals recalled him to the big leagues on May 30. He improved his AAA numbers, batting .315 with a .363 OBP, .589 SLG and ten HR.[12] Grichuk received the Cardinals' minor league system Player of the Month Award for May, 2014.[13] On June 7, he hit his first major league home run off Toronto Blue Jays' starter Mark Buehrle in a 5–0 victory.[14]

Grichuk produced a .944 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) in 44 spring training at bats in 2015 and made the major league club as a fifth outfielder.[15] While lifting weights, he strained his lower back, halting his play on April 16 and prompting the Cardinals to place him on the 15-day DL.[16] On May 16, the Cardinals activated him from the disabled list.[17] After striking out five times on May 18, he followed up with two doubles and a triple the next night against the New York Mets, as the Cardinals prevailed 10–2.[18]

When Matt Holliday went on the DL in early June, that opened Grichuk's first legitimate opportunity for regular playing time in the major leagues, including all three outfield positions.[15] From June 19–20 against the Philadelphia Phillies, he forged consecutive three-hit games, including hitting a home run in the first game, then two in the second.[19] On June 30, he was a double short of hitting for the cycle in a 2–1 loss to the Chicago White Sox. His home run off Chris Sale traveled 448 feet (137 m), however, and landed in the Big Mac Land section of Busch Stadium. Through that point in the season, it was the longest home run of the year there by a Cardinals player.[20]

Setting a new career high with six runs batted in on July 18, Grichuk also homered twice in a 12–2 win over the Mets.[21] On August 5 against the Cincinnati Reds, he doubled in the sixth inning and hit the game-winning home run in the top of the 13th at Great American Ball Park in a 4–3 game.[22] After straining his right elbow, the Cardinals placed Grichuk on the disabled list on August 17.[23] The Cardinals reactivated him less than one month later. On September 10, he played center field against the Chicago Cubs, but was not permitted to throw as his elbow had still not fully recovered.[24] After the season, he underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia.[25]

2016−present

Grichuk batting for the Memphis Redbirds, triple-A affiliates of the Cardinals, in 2016

Out of spring training in 2016, Grichuk won the role as starting center fielder.[26] He hit his first career walk-off home run on May 23 in a 4–3 win against the Cubs.[27] With his overall offensive output in decline from the previous year, the Cardinals optioned him to, and recalled him from, Memphis on multiple occasions in 2016.[28] On August 13, 2016 − his 25th birthday − Grichuk hit his first career grand slam, providing the margin in an 8−4 win over the Cubs, and ending their 11-game win streak.[29] He produced the game-winning RBI double on August 19 against Philadelphia Phillies in the 11th inning of a 4−3 win.[30] Grichuk ended 2016 with a .240 batting average along with 24 home runs and 48 RBI's.[31]

Awards and accomplishments

Accomplishment
Awards

Skills profile

In 2014, Randal Grichuk was projected with potential as a power hitter in the major leagues possessing the athleticism and preparedness to handle center field well. At the plate, his most evident ability is to hit the ball with power and loft to all fields, easily give him potential for 20 or more home runs a season. With a smooth and compact stroke, his bat speed through the zone is at least average and frequently faster. His pitch recognition allows him the ability to work counts and he becomes more aggressive in hitter's counts. This approach yields lower-than-average walk rates but with a strikeout rate of less than 20 percent. One obvious weakness is that he misses easy pitches – such as high fastballs in the middle of the plate – that major league hitters rarely miss.[34]

According to Baseball America's Kary Booher, Grichuk possesses an athletic frame with average arm and enough range to profile into an outfield corner slot. Through 2013, he has shown a low walk rate but has enough balance and bat control to bat .260 or higher in the major leagues.[35]

Grichuk drew widespread attention for his raw power and bat speed in 2015. As of August 11, 2015, the average exit velocity of all his batted balls on the season was seventh in the major leagues at 93.17 miles per hour (149.94 km/h). The average for all fly balls and line drives only was fourth at 97.79 miles per hour (157.38 km/h).[36]

Originally projected to be a first baseman, Grichuk expanded his versatility to the outfield thanks in part to extra preparation and a sleek and proportioned athletic frame. For what he lacks in the classic speed of center fielders, he mitigates with robust jumps and precise route running and positioning to easily anticipate the trajectory of – and catch – balls hit to the outfield. His arm strength and range allow him the ability to cut off runners at times from extra bases on the occasional plays for which he did not properly position himself.[34]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Grichuk homers twice for Texas team – ESPN". Sports.espn.go.com. August 21, 2004. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  2. ↑ "Faces in the crowd". Fort Bend Herald and Texas Coaster. June 28, 2005. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  3. ↑ "UA signs baseball recruits from nine states – Tucson Citizen Morgue, Part 1 (2006–2009)". Tucson Citizen. November 14, 2008. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  4. ↑ MLB Press Release (May 24, 2013). "Angels select Randal Grichuk & Michael Trout in 2009 MLB first-year player draft". MLB.com. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  5. ↑ Roling, Chris (November 22, 2013). "Randal Grichuk: 3 things you need to know about Cardinals' new prospect". Bleacher Report. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
  6. ↑ Arkansas Travelers (October 1, 2013). "Grichuk amongst MiLB Gold Glove winners". Arkansas Travelers official website via MiLB.com. Retrieved February 1, 2014.
  7. ↑ González, Alden (May 24, 2013). "Angels add prospect Grichuk to their 40-man". Mlb.mlb.com. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  8. ↑ Langosch, Jenifer (November 22, 2013). "Cards get Bourjos from Angels for Freese". MLB.com.
  9. ↑ Weurz, Scott (April 27, 2014). "St. Louis Cardinals call up Grichuk, Garcia; demote Wong, Robinson". Belleville News-Democrat. Retrieved May 1, 2014.
  10. ↑ Sickels, John (April 29, 2014). "Prospect of the day: Randal Grichuk". SB Nation. Retrieved May 1, 2014.
  11. ↑ Langosch, Jenifer (April 29, 2014). "First hit in books, Grichuk 'enjoying moment'". MLB.com. Retrieved May 1, 2014.
  12. ↑ Goold, Derrick (May 30, 2014). "Cardinals make move on prospect, promote Grichuk". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
  13. ↑ Trezza, Joe (June 3, 2014). "Molina extends All-Star vote lead, Grichuk honored". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  14. ↑ Langosch, Jennifer (June 7, 2014). "Cards ignite late as Miller shuts out Blue Jays". MLB.com. Retrieved June 7, 2014.
  15. 1 2 Witrado, Anthony (August 6, 2015). "Slugging Prospect Randal Grichuk Is Key to St. Louis Cardinals' Playoff Hopes". Bleacher Report. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  16. ↑ Thompson, Luke (May 15, 2015). "First the Indians, now the Tigers: Peralta's week full of familiar faces". FOX Sports Midwest. Retrieved June 7, 2015.
  17. ↑ "Cardinals activate Randal Grichuk from 15-day disabled list". ESPN.com. Associated Press. May 16, 2015. Retrieved June 7, 2015.
  18. ↑ "Randal Grichuk, Cardinals rough up Mets' Jonathon Niese". USA Today. Associated Press. May 20, 2015. Retrieved June 7, 2015.
  19. ↑ Suss, Nick (June 20, 2015). "Grichuk benefiting from change of approach". stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com. Retrieved June 20, 2015.
  20. 1 2 Langosch, Jenifer; Merkin, Scott (July 1, 2015). "Cards come up short in 11-inning loss to Sox". m.cardinals.mlb.com. Retrieved July 1, 2015.
  21. ↑ Cobb, David; Harris, Joe (July 19, 2015). "Cardinals score in bunches to rout Mets". MLB.com. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  22. ↑ Lempert, Jason (August 5, 2015). "Cardinals' Randal Grichuk provides game-winning HR on Wednesday". CBSSports.com. Retrieved August 7, 2015.
  23. ↑ FOX Sports Midwest (August 17, 2015). "Cardinals place Grichuk on 15-day DL, recall Pham from Memphis". FOX Sports Midwest. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  24. ↑ Scott, Nate (September 10, 2015). "Cardinals played a center fielder who wasn't allowed to throw the ball". USA Today. Retrieved September 12, 2015.
  25. ↑ "Cardinals OF Grichuk undergoes sports hernia surgery". FOXSports.com. Associated Press. December 15, 2015. Retrieved May 24, 2016.
  26. ↑ Gordon, Perry (April 12, 2016). "Will this be Randal Grichuk's breakout year?". KSDK.com. Retrieved May 24, 2016.
  27. ↑ SI Wire (May 23, 2016). "Watch: Cardinals' Randal Grichuk hits walk-off HR vs. Cubs". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 24, 2016.
  28. ↑ Adams, Steve (August 12, 2016). "Cardinals, Mets interested in Carlos Gomez". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved August 13, 2016.
  29. ↑ Muskrat, Carrie; Langosch, Jenifer (August 13, 2016). "Cards find wild way to slam door on Cubs' streak". MLB.com. Retrieved August 13, 2016.
  30. ↑ Hummel, Rick (August 20, 2016). "Gyorko, Grichuk spark another Cardinals comeback". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved August 20, 2016.
  31. ↑ http://m.mlb.com/player/545341/randal-grichuk
  32. ↑ Eddy, Matt (October 9, 2015). "Star-studded All-Rookie Team offers immense upside". Baseball America. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
  33. ↑ Kruth, Cash (November 21, 2015). "Bryant, Correa among Topps' All-Star Rookies". stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com. Retrieved November 21, 2015.
  34. 1 2 Newman, Mike (April 28, 2014). "Randal Grichuk scouting report (2014)". Rotoscouting. Retrieved May 1, 2014.
  35. ↑ Booher, Kary (October 9, 2013). "Texas League top 20 prospects with scouting reports". Baseball America. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
  36. ↑ Goold, Derrick (August 9, 2015). "Grichuk ranks among the best in 'exit velocity'". St. Louis Cardinals. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
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