By Jerry Mackinem

2B Luke Gold

DOB: 10/10/2000
B/T: R/R

Physical Description and Background:
He is listed at 6’0”, 220 lbs. Stands with the bat a little above his back shoulder. He seems to twist his waist and a little movement as he readies to swing. Wide stance and a leg lift to go with it. Isn’t really a step, his foot ends up right about the same spot.

Hit: 50
One thing I like about Luke Gold’s bat is his ability to keep it off the ground. In Lakeland, he managed to maintain a 39.5% Sweet Spot% with 165 BIP. Strikeouts don’t seem to be too much of an issue, and he was able to keep his walks up above 8.0% with his promotion to West Michigan.

Power: 45
Luke had slightly above average hard hit rate and barrels while in Lakeland. He had 12 HRs and 35 XBH in 404 PA, which is a ratio I like.

Run: 40
Running might be his worst tool. Measured a 4.42 home to first time which is a bit below average.

Field: 40
He makes the plays that he should make. However, I’m not sure if he has the range to call this an average tool.

Arm: 40
Made the throws from 2B, but accuracy occasionally wasn’t good even when he wasn’t rushed, this is especially so while on the move. It isn’t something that I don’t think can be worked on.

Overall: 40
Overall, I like his bat. I don’t think there is a ton of HR power in it, but I really like his ability to hit the sweet spot while also hitting the ball harder more than average. I think his fielding is a work in progress, especially the arm.