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Summary
The Story of Ryan Tellez began in the womb, when he earned the nickname "Rowdy", for the constant ruckus he caused inside his mother's stomach. The nickname stuck with Tellez his entire life, to the point where his own grandmother (allegedly) doesn't even know his real name.
It is said, that at the age of three, Rowdy learned to ride a dirtbike, before he learned to read or speak. 14 years since, The Legend of Rowdy Tellez continues to grow, as does his massive stature. On this day, the 17-year-old Sacramento-native stands 1.8 Altuves tall, weighing in at 240 pounds.
The powerful first baseman, and current USC Trojan commit, has been on most scout's radar since 2011, when he was named ESPN's Sophomore of the Year. As a junior, Rowdy continued to rake, with a trip-slash of .587/.673/1.013 and nine home runs, usually of the 400+ feet variety.
The left-handed-hitting first baseman is known for his mammouth power and great work ethic. He's also shown potential for average-to-above-average plate discipline. He rocks the number 44, to honor his all-time favorite player, Willie McCovey.
During the World Wood Bat Association's World Championship, in mid-October, Rowdy turned some heads by going 5-for-12 with three doubles, a triple, and a 9:0 K:BB ratio.
UPDATE (6/2): Not much has changed. His still rests solely on his bat. There are definitely some holes in his swing, and I'm not in love with it. He tends to beat the ball into the ground sometimes, which could lead to stretches of weak contact in the future. However; the power and potentially above-average hit tool is too hard to ignore.
Major League Floor
A home run threat off the bench.
Major League Ceiling
Dude has some legitimate upside as a hitter. Best-case scenario, I could see him having a Paul Konerko-type career with the bat. Even though his swing has holes, I don't think he fits the typical strikeout-power, all-or-nothing hitter.
Projected Draft Round
With the 2013 MLB Draft slowly approaching, it's never too early to start looking at candidates for the Astros' second pick. Baseball America ranks him 36th overall on their big board. Jonathan Mayo left him off his top 50. Minor League Ball has him 26th overall. And Keith Law left him off his top 30.
UPDATE (6/2): He could sneak into the first round, but is more likely to go in rounds two or three. He's definitely someone the Astros will consider at 2-1, if he's available.
College Commitment: USC, Will He Sign?
Indications are that he will sign, yes.
Bibliography
Big, strong, left-handed-hitting first baseman don't come through the Draft all that often these days. Tellez fits that mold, and his ability to do damage with the bat was generating some buzz this spring.
The Northern California area product has a good idea of what he's doing at the plate. He hits the ball with authority to all fields and he should be able to hit for average. His power tool is even better, with an ability to hit the ball out anywhere, with plus plus pop to the pull side.
Tellez is a capable fielder at first base, but there's no question what teams are looking at. It's that bat, and a team that covets his power from the left side will be the one to take him.