Nook Logan
| AB | 870 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .268 |
| OBP | .314 |
| SLG | .346 |
| HR | 2 |
- Full name Exavier Prente Logan
- Born 11/28/1979 in Natchez, MS
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 180 / Bats: S / Throws: R
- School Copiah-Lincoln CC
- Debut 07/21/2004
- Drafted in the 3rd round (78th overall) by the Detroit Tigers in 2000 (signed for $450,000).
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Converted from a center fielder into a shortstop and turned into a switch-hitter after his first pro season, Logan continues to intrigue the Tigers. His speed grades as a 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale, and he's a sure-handed, instinctive center fielder with an average arm. But it's still not clear whether he'll ever hit enough to become a factor in the major leagues. His numbers have been remarkably consistent during his three years in full-season ball, and that's not a good thing. His lack of strength is the main problem, as he can't pull the ball or hit it the opposite way with authority from either side of the plate. His plate discipline also is weak, and the bottom line is that he can't get on base enough to take advantage of his speed. At 24, Logan no longer is young in baseball terms. He spent the offseason at Detroit's spring-training base in Lakeland, Fla., trying to build up his strength. The Tigers will find out if his hard work pays off this year in Triple-A. -
Drafted out of junior college as a shortstop, Logan was moved to center field in instructional league after his first pro season. The Tigers also have made him a switch-hitter. He's a prolific basestealer, finishing second in the low Class A Midwest League with 61 in 2001 and leading the Florida State League with 55 in 2002. Logan has excellent speed and good instincts as a basestealer. His wheels also made his transition to center field go easily. He covers a lot of ground and throws well. Logan made strides as a hitter during the second half of 2002, making more consistent contact and beginning to bunt for hits. Logan needs to get stronger. He rarely turns on a pitch and pulls it. He needs to understand his speed and defense are his tickets to the majors. Logan must learn to bunt better and hit the ball on the ground more consistently to take advantage of his quickness. He makes too many errors in center field. The Tigers long have had a void in center field, and Logan is the primary candidate to fill it. He's probably two more years away though, and he'll begin 2003 in Double-A. -
Logan's first full season of pro ball went about as expected. He had moments where he looked like a future star and others in which his rawness was evident. Drafted as a shortstop in 2000, he was moved to center field during instructional league that fall. The Tigers also turned him into a switch-hitter. Logan is long, lean and exceptionally fast. He stole 67 bases in 86 attempts last year and is capable of being more prolific in the future. He took to center field well. Considering his lack of experience at the position, he misplayed few balls. He needs to get stronger and continue to develop as a switch-hitter. A natural righthander, he hit just .254 from the left side in 2001. He strikes out way too much for a player with his speed, and though he draws walks he will need to get on base more often. He seemed to wear down toward the end of last season. Logan is slated to spend all of this season in high Class A. If Torres eventually can't handle the center-field job, Logan could get the next opportunity. -
Logan was drafted as a shortstop and played there in the Gulf Coast League, where he used his exceptional speed to steal 20 bases in 23 attempts. But he was selected with the idea of converting him to center field, where he excelled in instructional league. The athletic Logan has been clocked in less than 6.4 seconds in the 60-yard dash. Team officials drool when they see Logan shagging fly balls because he covers ground so effortlessly. He also offers arm strength. He is about as raw as they come, however, and miles away from being refined enough to be a major leaguer. He has no previous outfield experience. Offensively, he's all about speed. He has little power, though he has a body that could allow him to develop some in time. If Logan continues to progress during spring training, he'll open the 2001 season at West Michigan. If not, he'll head to extended spring until the short-season New York-Penn League schedule starts in June.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Logan was drafted as a righthanded-hitting middle infielder. Looking to take advantage of his speed and athleticism, the Tigers sent him to center field and taught him to switch-hit. He has taken to batting lefthanded, though he needs to cut down on his strikeouts if he wants to become a top-of-the-order threat. Logan can wreak havoc on the bases and in center field, prompting comparisons to another speed demon. "His body is like Kenny Lofton's" Tampa manager Mitch Seoane said. "He's the same type of player." One manager said Logan lays back on ground balls too long, trying to entice runners to take an extra base. He'll need to be more aggressive as he moves up the ladder. He's still a force in center, playing shallow yet not allowing anything to drop behind him.
Best Tools List
- Rated Fastest Baserunner in the Eastern League in 2003
- Rated Best Defensive Outfielder in the Midwest League in 2001
- Rated Fastest Baserunner in the Detroit Tigers in 2001
