- Full name Jason Conti
- Born 01/27/1975 in Pittsburgh, PA
- Profile Ht.: 5'11" / Wt.: 180 / Bats: L / Throws: R
- Debut 06/29/2000
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Conti was an unheralded part of Arizona's first draft in 1996. He has made the most of his opportunities, hitting .290 or better at each level before receiving a promotion to the big leagues last June. He's one of the most fearless players in the organization, and it showed when he reached base safely in his first three plate appearances, including a pinch-hit RBI single in his first major league at-bat. He is one of the fastest players in the system, which shows in his defense in center and right field, and has one of the strongest arms despite his lean build. He threw out Atlanta's Brian Jordan at third base in consecutive games. Conti struggled in his big league debut, striking out in nearly one-third of his at-bats, and played sparingly in September. He admitted he needed to get stronger and spent the winter on a weight program rather than playing winter ball in the Dominican. Conti will back up Steve Finley in center field and probably will receive some time in right field this year. He's a fourth outfielder whose speed and arm are welcome assets on a team that's aging rapidly. -
Background: Conti wasn't drafted until after his senior year in college, and even then he was an afterthought. As proof that talent evaluation isn't an exact science, Conti has a career .324 minor league batting average and led the minors in runs in 1998 while on loan to the Rangers' Double-A club. Strengths: Conti's best asset, according to scouts, is a fierce determination to hit. He has enough strength and bat speed to drive balls to the gaps and is an above-average runner. Conti's ideal position defensively is center field, where he has solid instincts and plenty of range, but he also has the arm strength to play right field. Weaknesses: Because his power is considered short for the corner outfield positions, Conti probably will have to maintain his center-field defensive abilities to become a big league starter. The Future: Because he hits lefthanded, runs well and can play all three outfield positions, Conti has a shot at making the major league team this spring. The long-term obstacle will be the four-year contract that Steve Finley signed this offseason.
Best Tools List
- Rated Best Defensive Outfielder in the Pacific Coast League in 2001