5′10", 175lbs
Hits: Switch
Throws: Right
School: Jr, University of Miami Hurricanes
Scouting reports: MiLB, UM video
Bio: University of Miami, Scout.com
When Mark Ellis is ready to sign a new contract or be dealt by the Oakland A’s, they’ll be looking down the system for a replacement, and until today they would have struggled. Kevin Melillo just got knocked off the 40-man roster, Cliff Pennington wants to play SS and hasn’t exactly lit up the minors, Gregorio Petit can play 2B but would really rather not, so the A’s went after Jemile Weeks, who is a genuine Mark Ellis clone.

Strong bat, decent pop, plenty of speed, but in terms of defense, he’s rock solid up and down.

He’ll cost the A’s a little cash, but not a ridiculous amount, being as he was slated not to get picked until the late 1st round. He’ll take his time to sign since he can go back to college if he wants, and he’ll go even higher as a senior.

When he does sign, we’re unlikely to see him in Vancouver for anything more than a week or two. The A’s need him moving up the system fast, and he’s legit enough to step in at High-A ball if there’s an opening (and there is likely to be).

Transcribed ESPN interview from today:
Q: How does it feel to be drafted by the A’s?
A: It feels good, feels great, I’m excited to be drafted, and happy to be picked in the first round.

Q: What are the differences between you and brother, Rickie Weeks?
A: A lot of the same things everyone’s been talking about. Our physical game is obviously different, but how we play the game, hitting the field every day, determined to succeed, our demeanour, that’s the same. Other than the physical side, we’re pretty much the same in how we handle ourselves.

Q: Has he told you anything about what to expect?
A: He said it’s definitely going to be a grind, but it’s a step you wanna take and it gets you ready for the majors. I’m well prepared having come through the University of Miami, and hopefully I’ll prove that I’m ready.

Q: You could have gone into the draft from high school – was it a tough decision choosing to go to college?
A: It was a difficult decision, my dream was to play in the majors but I did a lot of praying and consulting with family and I came to university and thank God it turned out that way. I have no regrets, it all worked out for the better as a result.