Ryan ChartrandCal Poly right fielder Grant Desme prefers to let his bat do the talking.
This year, it has been nearly impossible for opponents to silence it. Through 41 games, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound junior is batting .395 with 12 home runs and 47 RBI.
In fact, the Big West Conference’s offensive leader board looks like a tribute to Desme. He is third in batting and leads in homers, RBI, slugging percentage (.713), runs (45), hits (62) and total bases (112).
Oh, he is also third in on-base percentage (.484), doubles (12) and is in the top 10 for walks (24) and stolen bases (9).
If there was any question to where Desme stacks up against national competition, it was answered Thursday when he was named to the watch list for the Dick Howser Trophy, awarded annually to the top player in college baseball.
After hitting .287 with eight home runs and 33 RBI, Desme was expected to produce in the third spot in the order.
While last year’s statistics were decent, they left some wondering what Desme has changed to bring about this year’s success.
“Grant’s mechanics have been similar to last year,” Cal Poly baseball coach Larry Lee said. “We haven’t changed much from last year. The biggest difference form last year to this year is his approach at the plate, he’s become a much more selective hitter this year.”
Lee said Desme is the best hitter he has seen at Cal Poly since catcher Kyle Blumenthal.
That’s pretty high praise considering Blumenthal finished 2005 hitting .410 with 53 RBI.
Desme’s potential as a hitter was obvious since his transfer in 2006 from San Diego State. It has been his power that has surprised most observers.
“You expected some of (the success), (but) the biggest surprise has been his power numbers,” Lee said.
The soft-spoken Desme also cited pitch selection in addition to patience at the plate as the main components to this year’s success. However, even Desme expressed surprise at his numbers.
“I’d say pitch selection has helped, I’m waiting and letting the ball get deeper.I try not to think about mechanics when I’m up there, but the home runs have been a little bit of a surprise,” Desme said.
Despite transferring before the 2006 season, Desme has been able to become a team leader, although his play on the field speaks for itself.
“I lead mainly by example, I try to help the younger guys if they need it, but mostly I try to just go out and do my job,” Desme said.
In addition to garnering collegiate attention, Desme has caught the eye of more than a few professional scouts. In fact, Lee expects Desme to be selected in the first three rounds of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft in June.
If taken in the first round, Desme would be the third Cal Poly player selected in the first round, joining catcher John Orton (25th overall by the Angels in 1987) and pitcher Garrett Olson (48th overall by the Orioles in 2005) as the only Mustangs to be selected in the first round.
“I expect him to go, (if drafted),” Lee said. “I think he’s ready for professional baseball. He should be able to get a substantial signing bonus and take care of his education in the offseason.”
Desme said he has received contact from every major league team, but has no interest in which team drafts him.
“I don’t really care at this point, I just want the opportunity to play pro ball,” Desme said. “I try not to worry about it too much.”
Desme and the Mustangs (21-20) visit Fresno State (26-21) in a three-game series tonight through Sunday before returning home to face UC Davis on May 11.