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August 22, 2007

Future Shock

Positional Rankings - Corner Outfield

by Kevin Goldstein

I’m separating corner outfielder from center fielders, not because of where they project to end up (which might be subjective), but rather where they’ve played the majority of the season. As discussed previously, corners are expected to mash, but luckily several of these prospects are up to the task. The usual caveats apply--one has to be in the minors, one has to be technically a prospect (fewer than 130 big league at-bats), and 2007 draftees are not eligible, but will be discussed separately.

1. Travis Snider, Blue Jays
Age: 19.6
Hitting: .315/.379/.516 at Low-A (105 G)

Snider has been the top hitter in the Midwest League for much of the season, and is currently leading the circuit in extra-base hits and slugging. He has a solid approach, and his plus raw power is starting to show up in game time as well, with six of his 13 home runs coming in the last 20 games. While his hitting is his primary tool, he makes up for a lack of athleticism with a grinder’s mentality, turning into an adequate right fielder with a slightly above-average arm. He’s even better than these numbers indicate, and one of the best teenage hitters in the minors, period.

2. Chris Marrero, Nationals
Age: 19.1
Hitting: .293/.337/.545 at Low-A (57 G); .257/.343/.416 at High-A (56 G)

Marrero went into the 2006 season generally considered the best high school hitter in the country, but he pressed during his senior year and fell into the Nationals’ collective laps with the 15^th overall pick. He has the skills to hit for average and power, but he lapses into bad habits at times still, becoming pull-happy when his natural power is more than enough to get a ball over the fence. A third baseman in high school, he’s made a decent transition to left, not that it takes much. Marrero got off to a great start following his promotion to the Carolina League, but he’s been in a month-long slump, which could be simply attributed to a player running out of gas in his first full season. The Nationals' system is looking better these days, and Marrero is one of the primary reasons why.