2015’s most talked-about minor league signee with an invite to Spring Training made his 10-team debut on Thursday, as Will Ferrell showed off his athletic prowess by playing 10 positions in five games, including acting as third base coach for the Chicago Cubs. Here’s what you can expect from the newcomer.
Will Ferrell:
Date of Birth: 7/16/1967 (Will be 48 on July 1st)
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 210
Position: OF/IF/C/P/3B Coach
Throws: R
Bats: R
High School: University High (Irvine, CA – Class of 1986)
College: USC
Draft Position: Undrafted
Contract Status: Free Agent. Signed minor league contract with Oakland A’s on March 12, 2015, which included an invite to Spring Training. Was then subsequently traded nine times in an eight hour time period before ending his tenure with the San Diego Padres on a minor league contract on March 12, 2015.
Representation: Creative Artists Agency – Los Angeles, CA
Personal History/Physique:
Good shape for man in late 40’s. Last played competitively in high school, where he hit .390 as a senior. Doughy, but not so much that it hinders him. Lacks upper body strength. Long legs presumably bring easy stride afield. 65 hair – a true curly Brillo pad. Adding Soul Glo would make him look like Pedro Martinez circa 2000, bringing hair FV to a true 80. 20 facial hair – lack of mustache is troublesome, as rumor was it was one of the best in the game. Good face, but not your normal movie star looks. Considered quite the character. Did receive a Sports Information degree – might have entertainment career after baseball.
Run: 20/80 currently, 25/80 Future Value
Compact, upright runner. Long strides, but has trouble getting out of his breaks. Acceleration needs work. Tends to take two steps in place before moving in any one direction. 2-cylinder motor. Have yet to see him on basepaths, but his work afield suggests limited potential. Might get better with more preparation, but ceiling is low.
Field: 20/80 currently, 30/80 Future Value
Ability to play all over field is plus value; however, minus-minus across the board at all positions defensively, including 1B. Late picking up bunt at home plate. Not much seen on play in the middle infield or at third base. Will mark down later. In outfield, takes bad angles to the ball. Not good at picking up ball off the bat, which induces late breaks on balls in gap. Normally plays deep to keep balls in front of him, which he fields cleanly, but bloops become doubles. Plays caroms well. Potential is there in corner outfield, but only if Jarrod Dyson is playing center field and shading his way due to lack of mobility. Behind the plate, had issues receiving intentional pitchout and was removed from the game after one pitch. However, as a pitcher, showed good athleticism off the mound to field his position. Much better covering bunt there.
Arm: 20/80 currently, 25/80 Future Value
Arm strength rivals Ben Revere’s. Does have good form throwing from the outfield with a distinct crow hop. However, he has a long release on his throws. Did a decent job hitting cutoff men when he needed to. Tends to shortarm the ball on the infield. If form is improved, arm strength might come with it. Has not played competitively since 1986 – lot of throws still left in that arm.
Hit: 20/80 currently, 20/80 Future Value; Power: Same values
Upward stance. Elbow remains below his swing arc through to contact, contact that doesn’t happen often. Very light load, putting tons of weight forward in swing, leading to dribblers and rolling over on grounders. Squared a couple up during BP, but was unable to pick up pitches in game – only contact was a dribbler up the line into foul territory. Pitch recognition definitely needs work, but hard to coach up when he’s been traded so many times – not his fault. With time, might be able to hit as well as Bartolo Colon. Have heard he does well with wooden table legs – not seeing that here.
Rocking motion while in wind-up. Brings knee up almost to chest level. High 3/4 release. Stays vertical for a long time, which doesn’t lead to much power upon coming to the plate. Came up short on his stride, which didn’t allow arm to come forward for more velocity. Only hit 55 on the gun on non-eephus pitch – not good. Extremely economical, however, needing only one pitch to retire the only batter he faced. Disappointed we did not see the “slurge,” which he picked up in Japan and is probably akin to the famous shuuto or gyroball. If he can pick up a knuckleball, he has a shot.
Comparables:
Has similar build and stuff to pitcher Rojo Johnson, who made an appearance for Triple-A Round Rock in 2010. (Side note: Johnson’s mustache grades out at 80.)
Overall:
For man who hasn’t played in almost three decades in a true game, rust was not apparent. Came prepared. Professional. Would not grant a 40-man roster spot or even a spot on a minor league roster at this point due to distinct lack of MLB-ready talent. Might have future as third-base coach, but is the only slot worth considering. Classy move to hang it up with San Diego.
