ProfileHt.: 5'11" / Wt.: 215 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School
Stratford
Debut09/01/1997
Drafted in the 18th round (495th overall) by the Boston Red Sox in 1994.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
Traded by Red Sox with 2B Donnie Sadler to Reds for 3B Chris Stynes, Nov. 16, 2000.
After obtaining Coleman and infielder Donnie Sadler from the Red Sox for Chris Stynes, another arbitration-eligible player they couldn't afford, the Reds released Kimera Bartee and Brian Hunter. That was an indication of their faith in Coleman, a five-tool prospect who could have attended the University of Alabama on a football scholarship. He pronounced himself ready for Fenway Park with a 30-homer season in Triple-A in 1999, but Boston's acquisition of Carl Everett blocked him. Sent back to Triple-A, Coleman was leading the International League in homers in April when he broke his left wrist diving for a fly ball, ending his season. His tools still overshadow his skills, as he lacks polish at the plate and on the bases. He does have plus range and arm strength in center field. He had attitude problems in the Red Sox system, which led to counseling in the summer of 1998. Cincinnati believes he can thrive with a fresh opportunity. He could begin the season as the Reds' fifth outfielder, though Triple-A is also a possibility.
Top 100 Rankings
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