Gobbler Country, a Virginia Tech Hokies community

"Wates doesn't fit a particular profile well because he's a college outfielder with tools and because it's not totally clear what position he should play. What he does consistently well is hit and run, though he doesn't project to have power. He could be an everyday left fielder or maybe play center, but he hasn't done that at Tech. He could be a fine pick for a team in the supplemental first round or the top of the second round when all is said and done."

Wates is an advanced college bat without a position. He's got a slight leak because he taps his front foot rather than striding, but otherwise has a great swing -- short to the ball with some loft and very good bat speed.

He's a disciplined hitter and an above-average runner who shows good feel for the offensive side of the game. Wates has the speed and build to play centerfield, but has spent most of the spring playing first base and the rest playing left, leading to serious doubts as to whether he could play center in pro ball -- he lacks experience and hasn't shown good instincts at all when he has played the outfield.

He can hit, and that makes him worth a gamble, but he's going to have to find a better spot than first base to be a big-league regular.