AAA Position Prospect Review

The Columbus Clippers compiled a 76-68 record in 2003 with some very steady performances from their hitters. This article will review the hitting prospects that played for the Clippers and did not amass a minimum of 100 at-bats for the Yankees. (Free Preview of Premium Content)

Bubba Crosby – OF

Level	Team	AVG.	OBP%	SLG%	BB/PA	XBH	AB
AAA	Columbus	.302	.366	.460	.090	26.3	63
AAA	Las Vegas	.361	.410	.635	.090	44.0	277

Bubba Crosby was acquired by the Yankees in a deal that sent Robin Ventura to the Dodgers. In limited AB’s he posted both a high AVG and SLG%, making him a valuable asset if Kenny Lofton goes down this season. His peripheral numbers for the Dodgers' AAA team were phenomenal! Take a look at the XBH percentage and all the other numbers and you can see the Yankees got themselves a decent player.

Michael Hernandez – C

Level	Team	AVG.	OBP%	SLG%	BB/PA	XBH	AB
AAA	Columbus	.280	.367	.372	.131	22.8	282

Michel Hernandez had a solid 2003 season, but plays the same position as Jorge Posada. His numbers were solid across the board and actually walked more times than he struck out.

Andy Phillips – INF

Level	Team	AVG.	OBP%	SLG%	BB/PA	XBH	AB
AAA	Columbus	.209	.264	.358	0.07	42.9	67

Andy Phillips didn’t do much hitting for the Clippers in 2003. His average, walks, OBP% was way down, but in a very limited number of AB’s, Phillips should serve as a utility infielder in 2004. He should regain his form with another year at AAA Columbus.

John Rodriguez – OF

Level	Team	AVG.	OBP%	SLG%	BB/PA	XBH	AB
AAA	Columbus	.263	.333	.448	0.10	34.4	232

John Rodriguez is a back-up outfielder that put up pedestrian numbers in 2003. The Yankees have a glut of outfielders at the major league level, and throughout the organization. It would be surprising if Rodriguez ever saw Yankee stadium as a player, but will return to the Clippers in 2004.

Nate Rolison – 1B

Level	Team	AVG.	OBP%	SLG%	BB/PA	XBH	AB
AAA	Columbus	.247	.330	.426	0.12	36.8	385

Nate Rolison is big but doesn’t make a lot of contact. He can hit for power at the expense of average and OBP%. He should share time with Fernando Seguignol, and maybe Aaron Rifkin, at first base in the upcoming 2004 season.

Mike Vento – OF

Level	Team	AVG.	OBP%	SLG%	BB/PA	XBH	AB
AAA	Columbus	.304	.363	.473	0.08	35.7	184
AA	Trenton	.303	.354	.468	0.07	32.6	314

Mike Vento has been an all around good player. Although he doesn’t look to fit into the Yankees plans anytime soon, he can hit for average, and added a lot of extra base hits, leading to a high OBP%. He was very consistent in his production between Columbus and Trenton. Look for his numbers to increase in the 2004 season.

Subscribe to PinstripesPlus.com today! Only $79.95 brings you one full year of Total Access Pass and all premium content on PinstripesPlus.com, Scout™ Player and Roster Database (including the 'Hot News' at the top of the site), Breaking News and Information, Total Access to all TheInsiders.com Websites, and Player Pages, detailing the progress and careers of players from high school, the minors, and the pro ranks. Sample the PinstripesPlus.com Total Access Pass™ at no risk for 5 days, then pay only $7.95 or $21.95. If you want to save 2 months off the monthly subscription price, simply choose the annual PinstripesPlus.com Total Access Pass™ at $79.95.

Subscribe to PinstripesPlus.com