Skip to main content

Prospect Nation 2015: #18 IF/OF Odubel Herrera

Odubel MILBcom
Odubel Herrera, image- MiLB.com
Selected by the Phillies last month in the big league portion of the annual MLB Rule 5 draft, muti-positional prospect Odubel Herrera is primed to make the team's opening day big league roster.

The 23-year-old Venezuelan spent this off-season proving the Phils were right when they plucked him from the Rangers' system. With a league-leading .372 average, six homers, 27 RBI and eight stolen bases in 58 games for La Guaira, Herrera was named the Venezuelan Winter League Most Valuable Player as well as the league's Rookie of the Year.

In the summer of 2008, Herrera signed for a reported bonus of $160,00 at the age of 16. He would begin his pro career the follow year in the Dominican Summer League. Herrera moved at a steady pace in the Texas developmental ranks, but was behind some of the Rangers' other top young infielders (Hanser Alberto, Rougned Odor and Jurickson Profar) on their depth chart, making him expendable to that club.


Splitting his 2014 campaign between Double-A Frisco and Class A Advanced Myrtle Beach, Herrera posted a .315 average with two home runs, 59 RBI and 21 steals in 125 combined games. He was also named an All-Star last year in the Double-A Texas League where he won that league's batting title with a .321 mark.

Overall in his minor league career, the lefty batting Herrera sports a .294/.354/.377 offensive line in 610 games.

His size seems to limit his power potential, but the five-foot-eleven 200-pounder, having logged two batting titles in the past half-year, has proven that he can be an offensive threat. The main concern would be Herrera's effort against left-handed pitchers. He batted just .207 with a .489 OPS against lefties at Double-A, while his numbers facing right-handers were much better with a .353 average and an .855 OPS.

On defense, Herrera is a quality fielder with much versatility. He has played the majority of his affiliated pro career in the infield, notching 411 games at second base and 135 at shortstop. He's touted as a slick fielder with strong range and a good arm. Also in the minors, Herrera has played 13 games in the outfield. His primary position with La Guaira in the VWL this off-season was center field. The Phillies are said to see his future in the outfield.

Speed is certainly part of Herrera's tool set. Having been successful in 72% (128 steals in 178 attempts) of the time swiping bags, he can definitely be a contributor on the bases with some effort focused on getting smarter in that aspect of his game.

A team in rebuild mode like the Phillies have claimed to be should give serious consideration to carrying Herrera for the duration of next season to avoid the risk of losing him back to Texas, as per the Rule 5 pick criteria.

Look for the youngster to get boat loads of playing time all throughout spring training in order to give him every opportunity to impress Phils brass and coaches.

To follow along with this year’s full countdown, click HERE.
ProspectNation

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

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'

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

McGwire Stays Phony, Despite Admitting Drug Use

Mark McGwire made an effort to publicly come clean today, admitting to the world that he took performance enhancing drugs during his playing career. Steroids and human growth hormones were among the drugs that McGwire admitted to using. MLB Network featured a one on one interview with Bob Costas and McGwire on Monday evening. The broadcast was virtually garbage, thanks to McGwire. Ahead is a list of quotes from McGwire's interview. McGwire repeatedly stated his point of view that there were no dishonorable intentions involved when taking steroids, and that he was merely using them as a means to recover from varying ailments. When asked if he felt like he cheated... "As I look back now...I can see how people would say that. As far as the talent goes and the hand-eye coordination, the ability, the genetics I was given...I don't see it." "I did not take this for any strength purposes." Denial. Read on for similar B.S. He whined about the abuse he's taken at