Perrotto: One Tool Stands out Above All Others for Konnor Griffin

Gaudy statistics are usually part of the package with standout high school players.

Thus, it is no surprise that Konnor Griffin had outlandish numbers this spring while winning the Gatorade and MaxPreps National Player of the Year awards at Jackson Preparatory School in Mississippi.

Griffin hit .559 with 13 doubles, four triples, nine home runs, 39 RBIs, 85 stolen bases, a .690 on-base percentage and a .966 slugging percentage in 43 games. He had a 10-0 record as a pitcher with a 0.72 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 67 innings.

Those statistics played a big role in the Pittsburgh Pirates selecting the shortstop in the first round with the ninth pick on Sunday night in Major League Baseball’s First-Year Player Draft.

The stat that stands out, though, is the 85 stolen bases. It jumps off the page.

Let us try to put those 85 steals into perspective.

The last time a major-league player stole that many bases in a season was in 1988 when Rickey Henderson had 93 for the New York Yankees in 140 games.

Only once in the Pirates’ 142-year history has a player exceeded 85 steals. That was Omar Moreno, who had 96 in 1980.

Of course, stealing bases on the high school level is easier than against major-league pitchers and catchers. Still, 85 stolen bases in a 43-game season is remarkable.

No wonder all the pre-draft scouting reports noted Griffin’s “plus-plus” speed.

Griffin talked about his baserunning prowess Sunday night on a conference call with the media.

“I’m a tall guy, so I got long strides, so that definitely helps,” the 6-foot-4 Griffin said. “It’s kind of a God-given talent. I’ve always had speed and as I got taller, my 60(-yard dash) time kept getting lower. I just kind of trained hard this offseason, being explosive in my first step. Then once I got very comfortable and was able to relax on the basepaths, just kind of let my reflexes take over when pitchers are going home or picking off.

“It all kind of just felt super natural. Just tried to steal as many bags as I could. I like to be aggressive, get on base and be in scoring position. It helped my high school win and hopefully I can keep that going with whatever team I’m playing with in the minors. It’s going to do the same for me there.”

Of course, the one base that can’t be stolen is first and many scouts feel hitting is Griffin’s weakest tool. However, the Pirates are convinced that Griffin will be a plus offensive player.

Pirates first-year scouting director Justin Horwitz had the chance to watch Griffin play in person this spring. Horwitz, too, was impressed by Griffin’s speed.

What caught Horwitz’s eye was how well Griffin utilized his speed. His stolen bases weren’t purely the result of blinding speed.

“It was very apparent that he’s got baserunning instincts, base-stealing instincts,” Horwitz said. “He’s aggressive. He pushes the envelope. And he’s got elite speed. It really plays. I think that’s going to be another avenue for value in his total skill set and something that we think we can help him get even better at in a professional environment.”

Speaking of professionals, someone asked Griffin which major-league player he patterned his game after. His answer was injured Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr., not surprising since Griffin has grown up in the South.

Acuna became the first 40-70 player in MLB history last season when he hit 41 home runs and stole 73 bases while winning the National League MVP Award.

Griffin might never hit 41 home runs. However, he might steal 73 bases, which would be something to see.