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Hitting

High expectations may have played a role in Scott Knighton’ struggles. Normally a very patient hitter with a discerning eye at the plate, his walks and strikeout numbers both trended in the right direction during his last season, and his ground ball rate increased as well. From his open stance, he’ll stride toward the pitch and try to pull anything on the inner half, or go to the opposite field with anything outside. In previous years, his extra base hits went to all fields, but lately they went almost exclusively to right. Perhaps he was pressing, trying to justify a starting spot in the lineup as an emerging star.

Base-Running & Defense

Scott Knighton is a speedy runner for his built, and will take an extra base on any hit ball if the outfielder isn’t vigilant. He’ll break up a double play or run over a catcher blocking the plate like a fullback taking out a safety. He positions himself well in the infield and reads the ball off the bat better than most, Knighton his above average foot speed when going after them grounders and liners that try to find the infield gaps. Knighton’ arm is above average and quite accurate.