Basic Info
Age (Opening Day 2011): 24
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 190 lbs
How Acquired: Amateur FA signing, 2004
2010 Stats
Garcia burst onto the prospect scene last year, hitting .335 in Clearwater, including a record breaking 37-game hitting streak and an impressive .889 OPS from the 2B spot. This earned him a promotion up to Reading at mid-season, where he struggled a bit, hitting a respectable .281, but his OPS dropped down to .743. He started to pick up at the end of the year in Reading, hitting .310 in his last 10 games.
Even though he is a switch hitter, he his far better against lefties, .417 on the season.
Scouting Report
Garcia profiles as a pretty standard second base prospect. He obviously can hit for average, and while he doesn’t hit home runs, he can hit for a little power with 27 extra-base hits in 101 games. He is a solid defensive player, good enough to have played a little third-base.
His best tool is probably speed, which helps his batting average, and gets him a good amount of steals (29 in 2010, 42 in 2009).
For me, he projects as a solid bench player in the infield who could see some time as a pinch hitter and pinch runner. It’s possible he could start for a couple years on a lesser squad.
He is aided on this list by the fact that the Phillies have pretty much NO middle infield prospects to speak of.
What to Look For in 2011
Garcia will likely start the year in Reading as the everyday 2B. If he hits well, it’s possible he could be called up in the case of a middle infield injury for the Phillies (so — pretty darn likely). If not, he could still move up to AAA mid-season and be a September call-up and/or a 2012 bench option.
Grades (Out of 10)
Upside – 4
As I just said, Garcia’s upside is limited. The best case scenario is that he keeps hitting for average as he moves up levels and becomes a Luis Castillo type player.
Production – 7
His hitting streak was incredible impressive, as many of the game were multi-hit ones. His .889 OPS in Clearwater was equally impressive and showed he can be more than just a slap singles hitter. He took a dip in Reading, but A-Adv to AA is the 2nd toughest jump (after AAA to majors) and he’ll have a chance to improve on those numbers next year.
Proximity to Majors – 7
If he comes out hitting in 2011, he could be a bench option as early as 2012, or even late 2011 if someone like Wilson Valdez gets injured. Could possibly be called up in September either way.
Video
Couldn’t find any – please pass along in the comments if you do
For all posts on Phillies’ Prospects, including the rest of the top-20, visit our Top Prospects Page
Dennys Reyes will NOT be signed by the Phillies now that we don’t need a bullpen. Per Jim Salisbury
Pete, I was curious where you think Jason Donald would be on this list if he was still here.
I was really hoping the phils would have kept him and L Marson in lieu of other prospects (OF, single A pitcher).
Since your not going to cover any other shortstops I’m curious where the slick fielding ss the phils have (I remember reading about him in the summer) would compare to Garcia in regards to major league ready.
“Dennys Reyes will NOT be signed by the Phillies”
seems like we’re going to see some of these prospects get a shot in the bullpen after all.
“the slick fielding ss the phils have”
Pretty sure his offensive numbers were less than good. Somewhere between below average & bad, as i recall. From what i can see(though i wouldn’t call myself an expert on their prospects), Phillies are going to have some decisions to make on that side of the infield as Rollins & Polanco expire – doesn’t seem to be much behind them in the system.
joof-
Freddy Galvis is the slick fielder, and dude is correct, his offense is horrendous. He has yet to have a season with an OPS OVER .600. He will not be on this list. But will be mentioned in the 20-30 section.
As for Donald, he had over 300 PA for the Indians last year and played OK, but needs to improve to stay in the majors. At 25, he’d be a little old for this list, but he’d probably be in the 10-15 area.
Ok thanks for letting me know.
Hey Pete, another great piece. Nice work! I also wanted to ask you a question. Is it possible if I could write for your site, or contribute an articel here or there? I’m a Featured Columnist for the MLB and Philadephia 76ers on Bleacher Report.
Thanks!