ProspectNation 2011: #23 Cody Overbeck

Slugging third baseman Cody Overbeck made a considerable impact in the Phillies system during the 2010 season . Overbeck, listed at 6'1" and 205 pounds, is a native of Tennessee and attended the University of Mississippi, prior to joining the Phillies organization after his junior season.

Overbeck was named a Florida State League All-star in 2010, as a member of the High-A Level Clearwater Threshers. In fact, the day before the All-star break, the righty hitting Overbeck, who hit .302 with 11 HR and 41 RBI in 58 games with Clearwater, was called into the office of his manager Dusty Wathan and told to pack his bags prior to departing, as he was being promoted to Double A Reading.

As a member of the Reading Phillies, Overbeck continued his strong season, after a bit of a slow start, mashing 13 more homers, driving in 41 and posting a .255 average in 78 games.

Combined at the two levels last season, Overbeck posted a slash line of .276/.354/.490 (batting average/on base percentage/slugging percentage), which was a serious improvement over his 2009 statistics. In 96 games with Clearwater 2009, Overbeck's line was an unimpressive .230/.282/.399. Overbeck attributed his improvements this season to working closely with Clearwater hitting coach Kevin Jordan and Reading hitting coach Frank Cacciatore. Overbeck is a hitter whose focus is to get in a rhythm and stay there as long as possible.

A 9th round draft selection in 2008, Overbeck skipped over Class A Lakewood, after beginning his professional career with the short season Williamsport Crosscutters when he signed with the Phillies.

Not regarded as a speedy player, Overbeck has just 1 stolen base in his 2 1/2 seasons as a pro. Defensively, he has solid instincts at the hot corner, which make up for any lack of range.

The 24-year-old Overbeck may begin the 2011 season back with Reading and could very well be a player on the fast track upward in the Phillies' prospect rankings.

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