Prospect Report:
Center Gents

David Cameron

The White Sox have had high expectations for Joe Borchard since they bought him away from the quarterback position at Stanford. In light of those standards, some people believe that he's been a disappointment, but I think they are missing the bigger picture. Borchard can really swing the stick and has impressive power. He's not a star defensively, but his bat will more than make up for that. If he becomes a little more selective at the plate, he could easily develop into an all-star cleanup hitter.

The Phillies should finally be ready to hand their center field job over to Marlon Byrd next year. Byrd didn't have the most consistent season in Scranton, but he continued to display good power and capable defense. His strike zone judgment needs work and he could struggle early, but Philadelphia fans should be patient with him. Given enough chances to adjust, Byrd should become a very good center fielder.

Rocco Baldelli turned around his career with a solid 2002 campaign. After two miserable seasons, he finally started making contact and putting his speed to use. While he excites people with his aggressive style of play, he's still got a long way to go before he's helping any major-league team win ballgames.

Nearly all of his value came from his batting average, and its extremely premature to project him to hit .320+ at the major league level. Unless Baldelli learns that he can't swing at everything, he's going to struggle. Unfortunately, the Devil Rays have shown no comprehension of this concept, and it's not very likely that they'll suddenly become patrons of patience.

One of the least heralded prospects in the game, Grady Sizemore is one of my favorites. His best asset right now is his outstanding eye at the plate, but he's got a lot of other qualities as well. He's got a very even left-handed swing that should allow him to flirt with .300 for most of his career. While he hasn't developed his power yet, it is definitely a possibility. He's an above average runner and has enough range to cover center field, at least early in his career. He's an all-around talent with Bobby Abreu type potential.

The Braves snatched hometown boy Jeff Francouer with their first round pick in 2002. He slid to number 23 because of concerns he'd require a large bonus to get out of his dual football/baseball scholarship to Clemson. Based strictly on talent, he was probably a top-ten pick.

Unlike a lot of football players, Francouer is a baseball player with great athletic skills rather than an athlete playing baseball. He's got a solid swing, though he needs to adjust to pitches away. He's got the chance to hit for real power and be a top-notch defensive center fielder. He just needs experience against better pitchers, because he showed few weaknesses in his pro debut.

The Rangers' search for a center fielder just might stop with Ryan Ludwick. While he's not a classic flycatcher, Ludwick can play a capable center field, and his offense is a real asset in the lineup. He's got above-average power at the plate, which is his most valuable asset. He's not a contact hitter, and he likely won't hit .300 in the majors, but he'll draw enough walks to get on base. With the Rangers' glut of outfielders, they'd like Ludwick to stick in center, but some profile him as more of a right fielder. Whether he'd hit enough to be valuable in right is still up in the air.

Alex Escobar exploded onto the scene in 1998 with a big year in the South Atlantic League, but injuries and mediocre performances have dimmed his star. Looking to rebound after the Mets shipped him to Cleveland in the Roberto Alomar deal, he tore his ACL and spent the entire 2002 season rehabbing his knee.

Escobar returned in time for the fall instructional leagues and impressed the Tribe with his swing and his glove. He's got legitimate center field range and a powerful swing, but still needs to refine the nuances of his game. He's not likely to emerge into the superstar he was projected to be as a teenager, but he's still got a shot to be a quality outfielder with above average power.

David Krynzel developed a willingness to take a pitch this year, a drastic change from the past when he swung at anything and everything. The reviews were mixed as his batting average plummeted. The extra walks made up for the loss of hits, but he won't be truly valuable unless he can combine both. The fact that he has flashed the abilities, even if not simultaneously, does bode well for his future. If he can continue to develop his power and combine the offensive skills he's showed at varying times, he'll be an a nice player for the Brewers.

The prototypical leadoff man is a dying breed, but those still looking for one are likely to give Jamal Strong a look. After a terrible first half, Strong rebounded to post decent numbers in his AA debut. He's one of the fastest players in baseball and uses his speed well on the basepaths. Unlike most jackrabbit outfielders, Strong will use the base on balls to get to first as often as possible. His combination of speed and patience should intrigue enough people to get him a look.

His complete lack of power may be his downfall, though. He's strictly a singles hitter and isn't likely to develop any more power than he already has. He could get overmatched against hard fastballs. He'll need to hit for a high average to offset the lack of power, and he'll likely never be more than an average player. However, for those seeking wheels at the top of the order, he's the guy.

The Wily Mo Pena hype parade rolls into Cincinnati next year, where his story will be one of the more interesting in spring training. A five-tool player who lacks the other requisite skills to perform at a high level, Pena's contract requires him to pass through waivers before he can be optioned back to the minor leagues. He's too physically gifted to slip by 29 other teams, so the Reds will attempt to develop him in the National League.

Of course, with an already loaded Reds outfield, Pena will struggle to find playing time, and probably needs a change of scenery. He's not going to live up to the contract he was given, but he's still a potential 30 HR guy who can handle center field. The odds aren't in his favor, but he can't be totally written off yet, either.

about the author

David Cameron believes Beavis and Butthead might actually be behind the Wily Mo Pena hype. Ask whether Gammons just likes saying "five-tool" at dac@strikethree.com. Huh, huh, huh.