Skip to main content

Prospect Nation 2012: #21 1B Cody Overbeck

Cody Overbeck has proven himself to be an impact slugger after slamming 48 total homeruns and driving in 154 runs across three levels of the Philadelphia developmental ranks from 2010-2011. Throughout his time in the Philadelphia system, Overbeck, who is regarded for his quick hands and his ability to drive the ball, has been valuable to every lineup he has swung a bat for.

Formerly a third baseman through his first three seasons in the minor leagues, Overbeck, a 6-foot-1-inch 200-pounder, dabbled in the outfield and was primarily a first baseman in 2011 with Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The experience for Overbeck increased his versatility.

This past season, the right-handed hitting Overbeck wrecked Eastern League pitching to the tune of a .275 batting average, 18 HR and 46 RBI through 62 games with the Double-A Reading Phillies before he was promoted to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Under manager Ryne Sandberg, Overbeck had a slow start, but came back strong to help the the Pigs reach the post season. In 68 regular season games with Lehigh Valley, Overbeck batted .279, with 6 HR and 26 RBI. His power drop, after jumping levels in 2011, was evident, as his .532 slugging percentage with Reading looked far greater than his .416 slugging percentage with Lehigh.

The Tennessee native spent time this off-season playing in the Arizona Fall League, where he posted a .321 batting average with 6 doubles, 1 triple, 1 homerun, 7 RBI and a .457 slugging percentage in 24 games. With the Scottsdale Scorpions, Overbeck spent time at first base and designated hitter.

Overbeck was named a Florida State League All-Star in 2010, as a member of the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, when he sported a .302 average with 11 HR and 41 RBI in 58 games. He missed the actual All-Star game as he was promoted to Reading before he could take part in the annual exhibition. With Reading, he went on to bash 13 more homers and drive in 41 runs in 78 games.

In his first two seasons as a pro, with short-season A level Williamsport and High A Clearwater, Overbeck tallied 24 homeruns and a .249 batting average in 171 games.

Defensively, Overbeck was never highly regarded for his range at the hot corner, but he adapted rather quickly to changes in the field last year and seemed to be strong at first base and left field. For many guys with a bat that commands playing time, not being a liability in the field is key, but Overbeck was above average at first and could certainly improve further with more time there.

Originally a 9th round draft choice in 2008, the 25-year-old Overbeck heads into a season on the verge of crossing into the Matt Rizzotti zone, as an older prospect with a great list of minor league accomplishments who the organization simply doesn't have full confidence in to provide a shot at the big leagues. Less than favorable for the University of Mississippi product are the additions of players like Laynce Nix and Ty Wigginton, who have plenty of big league experience at the positions where Overbeck has played.

___________________________________________________

2012 Countdown thus far...
#22- David Buchanan
#23- Garett Claypool
#24- Cameron Rupp
#25- Austin Wright & Aaron Altherr (tie)

You can follow PhoulBallz on Twitter by clicking HERE.

Also connect with PhoulBallz on Facebook by clicking HERE

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Jersey Shore clinches playoff berth on final day of regular season

Ottto Kemp, image- Jay Floyd With an extra-inning victory over first-half division champions Hudson Valley on Sunday, the Class A Advanced Jersey Shore BlueClaws clinched the team's first playoff appearance since 2018, winning the second-half division title. Key performers in the BlueClaws' clincher were righty hurler Jason Ruffcorn, who threw three innings of relief to earn the victory and third baseman Otto Kemp, notched three hits, a walk, two stolen bases and plated the game winning run in the 11th inning on a sacrifice fly.  On top of that, Kemp, who turned 24-years-old on Saturday, made an absolute game-saving defensive play to help the club hold their lead in the bottom of the 11th frame. One of Jersey Shore's most consistent performers all season long has been right-handed reliever Cam Wynne.  The Phillies' 20th round draft pick in 2021 out of Nebraska.  In 34 appearances, one start, the 24-year-old tallied a 1-1 record with one save, a 2.44 ERA and a .190 batti

PhoulBallz Interview: BlueClaws OF Justin Crawford

Justin Crawford w/ junior reporter Evan At the age of 19, outfielder Justin Crawford has played his way into the conversation of being considered as one of baseball's top prospects. The son of four-time MLB All-Star Carl Crawford, Justin has looked every bit as impressive as his position as the 17th overall draft selection last year would have most fans thinking he should be.  He opened the season with Class A Clearwater where, in 69 games, he notched a .344/.399/.478 slash line.  And since mid-August when he was promoted to Class A Advanced Jersey Shore, the younger Crawford has posted a .300/.364/.440 line.  He's also stolen 44 bases in 52 attempts overall. And while the BlueClaws enter the final week of the regular season 1/2 game out of first place in their division, I spoke with Justin Crawford about the team's hopes of making the postseason for the first time since 2018. I also asked Justin about the similarities and differences between his skillset and his father'

RHP Pipkin headed to AFL after hot August

After completing what was easily the best month of his career, righty hurler Dominic Pipkin is ready to face the tough competition of the prominent Arizona Fall Leage.   Pipkin, who was the Phillies' 9th round draft selection in 2018, has had moderate success in his five years as a pro, posting a 4.93 ERA, a 7.6 K/9 mark and a .260 batting average against mostly at the lower levels on the minors. After missing time this year with an unspecified ailment, the six-foot-four 170-pounder proved to be healthy as he dominated AA competition in nine appearances with the Reading Fightin Phils during August.  Pipkin's impressive production resulted in a 1-0 record with a save and a 0.96 ERA while striking out eight and walking three in 9 1/3 innings. The California native says his efforts to improve have helped him touch 100 MPH on the radar gun, while his fastball velocity is mostly around 96 MPH.   Pipkin's arsenal includes that improved fastball as well as a slider while his curve