Prospect Report:
Definitely In The Right

David Cameron

The crop of future right fielders is likely the worst of the three outfield positions. The gap between the fifth and sixth spots on this list is as big as any you'll find in the game. Most of the names below lack superstar potential, but could all develop into solid regulars.

Michael Cuddyer sneaks onto the list by the hair of his chinny-chin-chin. With one more at-bat, he would have lost eligibility, but he'll retain his claim for rookie of the year in 2003. His future is more likely in left field, but he's capable in right for now, and the Twins' more pressing need is for someone to flank Torii Hunter on the left.

Cuddyer's bat has rarely been a question mark, and he's one of the better offensive prospects in the game. His main weakness is overaggression, and he may be better suited to hitting fifth or lower. His power should still add a solid dimension to the Twins' lineup for years to come.

While Shin-soo Choo won't be the first Korean player to make the majors, he may be the best. While making his full-season debut in low-A, he showed excellent patience and a well-rounded offensive attack, lacking only power. After a late season promotion to the California League, he really started stinging the ball and showed an improved attack at the plate.

The Mariners have tried to get him to be more aggressive swinging the bat, but the power will come regardless. He's got 30-30 potential and the range to be a quality right fielder. He'll need to improve his routes defensively, but Choo has a very strong package to offer.

A year ago, I tabbed Gabe Gross as a likely top-five prospect for 2003. After a horribly disappointing season, I can freely suggest that he won't rank in anybody's top five this offseason. Gross got off to a miserable start in AA and never recovered, although he played much better after May. He continued to show an ability to draw the walk, and he made an unusually high number of outs on balls that were hit hard. The talent is still there, and he'll be at the top of the list of guys looking to rebound next year.

The Twins land their second player on the list with Mike Restovich staking his claim as one of the premier sluggers in the minors. His power is unquestionable, but there are flaws in Restovich's game. He's not a contact hitter and won't hit for much of an average, yet he fails to compensate with a large number of walks. His high strikeout total is alarming, and some have pegged him as a bad-ball hitter. He's a better defender than Cuddyer, so if he can get on base enough to justify his spot in the lineup he'll be a productive player.

Just a few years ago, Josh Hamilton was the toast of Tampa Bay. He was given an opportunity to win a roster spot on the Devil Rays despite having no experience above A-ball, but a car accident hampered his development and he's been derailed by injuries ever since. He needs to get on the field and stay there for a full season, because he's got a bit of catching up to do. With Hamilton's combination of power and athleticism, the Devil Rays will certainly be patient with him. He doesn't turn 22 until May, so those writing him off this early could be in for a rude awakening.

The Pirates' faith in J.J. Davis finally paid off, at least partially, as he responded with his first productive professional season. The Pirates have always raved about his power, and he managed to smack 40 extra-base hits in just 348 at-bats in AA. While his strike zone judgment remains wretched, his ability to drive the baseball is intriguing. Cam Bonifay's Pirates wouldn't have been able to develop Davis into a quality outfielder, but we'll see if Dave Littlefield's group can handle the chore. He's still got a way to go, but he's got enough swing in his bat to be a useful player with time.

You don't hear much about Jason Kubel, mainly because of his more famous teammates. Joe Mauer got all the hype in Quad City, but Kubel was quietly ripping Midwest League pitching to shreds at the tender age of 20. He's not a scout's favorite, but he won't stop hitting. The biggest knock against him is his limited gap power. He handles the strike zone well and plays a solid enough outfield, but it is his bat that will keep him moving up the ladder. If he performs well in Fort Myers, he'll finally get the exposure he deserves. Whether he has a future with the Twins is still to be determined.

On the other hand there is Reggie Abercrombie, whose physical abilities have always shone ahead of his offensive production. After a miserable start to the season, Abercrombie found his stroke and finished with some respectable numbers. At least, until you look at his walk and strikeout ratios. His plate discipline is among the worst in the game, and will be seriously detrimental to his future unless it improves. His combination of speed and arm strength will wow people into giving him a chance to improve, but it's going to take hard work and good coaching to draw that potential out of him.

Also patrolling the outfield in the Florida State League was Texas' Jason Botts. The range of opinions on him varies from future all-star to career minor-leaguer, but no one doubts Botts' imposing presence on the diamond. A monster of a 6'6" man, he runs as well as people half his size. He's still learning to play the outfield after a shift from first base, but his defense is kindly described as a work in progress.

Botts' value will come from his offense, which hasn't come together yet. He's flashed power and a knowledge of the strike zone, but his bat speed is in question. He'll get a chance to move to AA in 2003, and this should be the season he separates himself as a legitimate prospect or fades into the land of roster-filling sluggers.

Falling right in line with this untapped-potential theme, the Phillies hope Jorge Padilla can finally find his offensive game. A classic right fielder, Padilla has yet to produce at the plate. He was able to drive the ball well in high-A, but failed to control the strike zone or make consistent contact. His swing can get long at times, and he's still susceptible to good offspeed pitches. If he can shorten his stroke and acquire some patience at the plate, he could emerge as one of the surprise players of 2003.

about the author

In addition to untapped potential, David Cameron reminds you that this column is also brought to you by the letter "Q" and the number "8." Let him know why they really call that guy "The Count" at dac@strikethree.com.