BaseballEvolution.com Scouting Report: Nationals IF Brendan Harris

By Keith Glab 5/28/05

Brendan was a top third base prospect in the Cubs’ system before they acquired A-Ram from the Pirates, having been named the top defensive 3B of the FSL in ‘02.

 

Vitals:

Height: 6’1"

Weight: 195

Bats/Throws: R/R

Position: Third Base/Second Base

Birthdate: August 26, 1980

Drafted: By the Chicago Cubs--5h Round of the 2001 Amateur Draft

2005 Statistics, New Orleans Zephyrs, AAA affiliate of the Washington Nationals:

G

AB

R

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

BB

SO

SB

CS

AVG

OBP

SLG

39

155

23

45

3

3

6

28

11

29

1

2

.290

.335

.465

 

Complete Statistics

The Cubs then moved him to second, where his range was slightly below average for his position. After joining the Expos via the 4-team Nomar Deal, Harris resumed honing his hot corner skills at AAA New Orleans.

 

Hitting and Power:

Harris will often get out in front of breaking pitches, causing him to pepper the opposing third baseman with medium-hard grounders. When he gets a fastball, he can drive liners to both sides of the field with authority. Brendan must have made an adjustment at the plate, as he increased his OPS from the low-600’s in mid-April to the low-800’s at the time of his callup.

 

Baserunning and Speed:

Altough he stole 17 bases back in 2002, Harris won’t wow you with his baserunning skills anymore. He’s simply not focusing on that aspect of the game, concentrating on just the hitting and defense instead.

Defense:

Once Henry Mateo joined Jose Vidro on the DL on May 15th, Brendan had but a handful of games down in New Orleans to rediscover his second baseman skills before being called up. Brendan is always capable of either an amazing play, or a head-shaking gaffe. Focusing on just one position would probably make him more consistent in the field.

ETA: 2005

Projection: Line-Drive Platoon Infielder

MLB Clone: Joe Randa

Comments:

Harris figured to take over for Vinny Castilla at the hot corner in 2006, but as solid as Vinny has been he may not get that opportunity. He may see some time at first and the corner outfield slots and become a Ryan Freel-type super sub instead.

2005 Outlook: Nationals’ second baseman until Vidro returns from the DL