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If you follow baseball, you've probably heard of Cardinals prospect/outfielder Oscar Taveras. If you haven't; you soon will.
Position: OF
DOB: 6/19/1992 (Age: 20)
Height/Weight: 6’2”, 180
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted/Signed: November 2008 (Dominican Republic)
ETA: 2013
Overview: The best hitter in all the minor leagues, Taveras was named the MVP of the Texas League last year in his age-20 season. He led the Texas League (Double-A) with a .321 batting average and 67 extra-base hits. He has all the makings of a future superstar with an outstanding hit tool, plate discipline beyond his years and unparalleled barrel-to-ball ability.
Offense: A left-handed hitter, Taveras employs a powerful yet balanced swing; keeps bat head in the zone for an extended period of time; strong hands, forearms; always gets head through the zone; extends arms; successful even when forced to muscle the ball; began to tap into his power last season against advanced competition; 25-plus home run potential; lift to swing; ball has carry; extra-base machine; hits same-side pitching; makes loud contact to all fields; comfortable hitting any pitch in any count; doesn’t walk a ton; strikeouts will always be minimal given his pitch recognition and excellent hand-eye coordination; baserunning can be overaggressive.
Defense: Capable of playing all three outfield positions; has seen a majority of time in center field; nothing flashy, but makes the plays; solid actions; slightly above-average range; tracks ball well; bat profiles best at whatever position will get him in the lineup; average runner; routes in the outfield have improved over the last year.
Final Thought: If there’s one hitter I believe can make a successful jump from Double-A to the major leagues, it’s Oscar Taveras. Get excited, folks.
<a class="postlink" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1527609-bleacher-reports-updated-top-50-mlb-prospects-rankings-spring-training-edition/page/51" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1527 ... on/page/51</a>
Position: OF
DOB: 6/19/1992 (Age: 20)
Height/Weight: 6’2”, 180
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted/Signed: November 2008 (Dominican Republic)
ETA: 2013
Overview: The best hitter in all the minor leagues, Taveras was named the MVP of the Texas League last year in his age-20 season. He led the Texas League (Double-A) with a .321 batting average and 67 extra-base hits. He has all the makings of a future superstar with an outstanding hit tool, plate discipline beyond his years and unparalleled barrel-to-ball ability.
Offense: A left-handed hitter, Taveras employs a powerful yet balanced swing; keeps bat head in the zone for an extended period of time; strong hands, forearms; always gets head through the zone; extends arms; successful even when forced to muscle the ball; began to tap into his power last season against advanced competition; 25-plus home run potential; lift to swing; ball has carry; extra-base machine; hits same-side pitching; makes loud contact to all fields; comfortable hitting any pitch in any count; doesn’t walk a ton; strikeouts will always be minimal given his pitch recognition and excellent hand-eye coordination; baserunning can be overaggressive.
Defense: Capable of playing all three outfield positions; has seen a majority of time in center field; nothing flashy, but makes the plays; solid actions; slightly above-average range; tracks ball well; bat profiles best at whatever position will get him in the lineup; average runner; routes in the outfield have improved over the last year.
Final Thought: If there’s one hitter I believe can make a successful jump from Double-A to the major leagues, it’s Oscar Taveras. Get excited, folks.
<a class="postlink" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1527609-bleacher-reports-updated-top-50-mlb-prospects-rankings-spring-training-edition/page/51" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1527 ... on/page/51</a>
