Jason Tyner

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #14 prospect in 2001
  Drafted in the first round by the Mets in 1998 out of Texas A&M, Tyner received some activity in the major leagues with both New York and Tampa Bay last season. Acquired by the Devil Rays along with righthander Paul Wilson in a deal for big leaguers Rick White and Bubba Trammell in July, Tyner was tabbed the 12th-best prospect in the International League and might have led the circuit in stolen bases had he remained in the league throughout the season. His strengths are his outstanding speed and his knowledge of how to run the bases. Tyner also puts his legs to work at the plate by hitting down on the ball and trying to keep it on the ground. He has become more patient at the plate and is willing to take a walk. His power, meanwhile, is almost nonexistent. He hasn't homered since high school. And while he covers center field like a tarp, his arm is below average. The Devil Rays currently have a logjam in the outfield, but Tyner will be among those competing for the starting job in center field during spring training. Even if he wins it, his hold may be short-lived, with Carl Crawford and Rocco Baldelli coming up through the minors.
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  Ranked New York Mets #9 prospect in 1999
  Background: Tyner wasn't drafted out of high school, but has proven talent evaluators wrong at every turn since. He was the starting center fielder at Texas A&M from his first day and led Team USA in hitting after his sophomore season. Strengths: Tyner's game is speed. He has excellent first step quickness, getting down to first base on bunts in the 3.5-3.6 range, and enough top end speed to become an excellent center fielder defensively. He understands what his skills are and knows how to use them. He's an outstanding bunter, can work a pitcher for walks and makes consistent contact at the plate. Weaknesses: Tyner does not even attempt to hit with power and has not hit a home run since high school. He has an inside-out, slap swing that serves soft singles to left field and puts the ball on the ground where he can beat out even moderately routine balls. He must prove that better pitchers can't just blow him off the plate with hard stuff inside. The Future: Given Tyner's success in Class A in 1998, the Mets will most likely move him right to Double-A this season.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked International League #12 prospect in 2000
  Tyner got a brief look from the Mets before they traded him to the Devil Rays at the deadline in a deal for reliever Rick White and reserve outfielder Bubba Trammell. Tyner went straight to Tampa Bay, though Evers wouldn't have minded having him in Durham. "He's a guy who can run and play solid defense, a good guy to have at the top of the order," Evers said. Tyner hasn't hit a home run since high school, including a three-year career at Texas A&M, but his value comes from his leadoff skills (including on-base ability and speed) and the ground he covers in the outfield. He played center field in the minors, but has been used mostly as a left fielder by New York and Tampa Bay.

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Tyner got a brief look from the Mets before they traded him to the Devil Rays at the deadline in a deal for reliever Rick White and reserve outfielder Bubba Trammell. Tyner went straight to Tampa Bay, though Evers wouldn't have minded having him in Durham. "He's a guy who can run and play solid defense, a good guy to have at the top of the order," Evers said. Tyner hasn't hit a home run since high school, including a three-year career at Texas A&M, but his value comes from his leadoff skills (including on-base ability and speed) and the ground he covers in the outfield. He played center field in the minors, but has been used mostly as a left fielder by New York and Tampa Bay.