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| Adam Haseley, image- Jay Floyd |
Selected with the 8th overall pick, Haseley signed for a reported $5.1 million. A two-way player in college, Haseley was a very reliable pitcher and was an offensive standout at Virginia.
Upon making his pro debut, the lefty batting Haseley went 7-for-12 in three games with the Rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies.
He was swiftly promoted to short-season Class A Williamsport. With the Crosscutters, Haseley posted a .270 batting average with nine doubles, two home runs and 18 RBI in 37 contests.
Another promotion was in order and Haseley wrapped up the regular season with the full season Class A Lakewood BlueClaws. In 18 games, he would tally a .258 average with three doubles, a triple, a home run and six RBI.
Following the regular season, the six-foot-one 195-pounder participated in the Florida Instructional League, learning from Phillies coaches and organization mates that he had not gotten exposure with until that point. He also attended mini-camps that the Phils put on for strength and speed development in Clearwater.
While there, Haseley met former Phils hurler Roy Halladay the week of his death. Halladay gave the youngster multiple books and offered lessons from his own playing days to to help with his mental approach to being an athlete.
Coaches like Haseley's ability to hit to all fields. He features excellent bat speed and touts an inside-out swing.
Haseley, who turns 22 years old on April 12th, has drawn comparisons to Jacoby Elsbury throughout his playing career. Haseley also was a fan of Elsbury's game while watching baseball throughout his youth.
On the bases, Haseley hasn't shown exemplary speed so far in his pro career, stealing six bases in 11 attempts. Though, he is said to have above average speed.
Defensively, Haseley has played mostly center field, but he spent some time in left field as well once he joined the Lakewood team. He shows very good range and has a strong arm to keep runners from taking too many liberties.
Loaded with potential, Haseley should find himself opening the 2018 season with Class A Advanced Clearwater.
Haseley may be a few years away from making a true splash at the Major League level, but until he gets there, he is definitely a prospect worth keeping an eye on.
You can keep track of this year's Phillies prospect countdown at this link.
