Vernon Wells

Guide Note

Vernon Wells is a Center Fielder for the Toronto Blue Jays. Wells is a two-time MLB All-Star, and a three-time Gold Glove winner. As a two sport athlete at Bowie High School in Arlington, TX, Wells starred as a quarterback and outfielder. After his senior year of high school Wells declared eligible for the 1997 amateur draft, where he was selected in the 1st round (5th overall pick) by the Toronto Blue Jays. After spending several years within the Blue Jays organization as a top prospect, Wells was given the opportunity to be an everyday player in 2002.

Fast Facts

Born: December 8, 1978
Three Time Gold Glove Winner
Birth Place: Shreveport, Louisiana

Scouting Report:

Strengths:

Wells won three consecutive gold gloves from 2004-06, largely due to his exceptional range in center field, and a powerful throwing arm[1]. He has also displayed power at the plate, with double digit home run totals in 6 of his 9 seasons[2]. Wells uses a line-drive swing, and an aggressive approach at the plate produces a lot of RBI[3].

Weaknesses:

Despite all of his physical attributes, Wells is not a classic 5-tool player [4]. Wells has relatively few stolen bases for a player of his speed[5]. Wells also tends to be less patient at the plate than he is on the bases, with a near 2:1 strikeout to walk ratio[6].