• Full name Jacoby McCabe Ellsbury
  • Born 09/11/1983 in Madras, OR
  • Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 195 / Bats: L / Throws: L
  • School Oregon State
  • Debut 06/30/2007
  • Drafted in the 1st round (23rd overall) by the Boston Red Sox in 2005 (signed for $1,400,000).
    View Draft Report
    Fellow Oregon high school products Trevor Crowe (Arizona) and Jed Lowrie (Stanford) left the state in 2002 for what they thought would be a better opportunity at higher-profile Pacific-10 Conference schools. Ellsbury, who comes from a small high school in rural central Oregon, chose to stay home and he has been handsomely rewarded. Not only has he become a potential first-round pick, but Oregon State is having its best season ever, rising to No. 3 in the nation. Ellsbury's .426 average was among the national leaders and he led the Beavers in every key offensive category, including home runs and RBIs--as the team's leadoff hitter. He has few holes in his game and is capable of beating teams in a lot of ways. He has excellent makeup and instincts. His best tool is his speed, and it's evident both on the bases and in center field, where he catches everything hit his way. He has been clocked in 6.55 seconds over 60 yards. His biggest improvement has been in his approach at the plate. He has become more patient, rarely swings and misses and is comfortable hitting with two strikes. In his first 235 plate appearances this season, he fanned 11 times while drawing 28 walks. His style of play and physical appearance have drawn comparisons to Johnny Damon at a similar age, but scouts say Ellsbury has a better swing. They question whether he'll grow into the same power, though. They see him as more of a doubles and triples hitter. Boston has a big interest in Ellsbury, but they don't pick until 23rd overall and may not have an opportunity to get him.

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Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Baserunner in the American League in 2011
  • Rated Best Defensive Outfielder in the Boston Red Sox in 2008
  • Rated Best Athlete in the Boston Red Sox in 2008
  • Rated Fastest Baserunner in the Boston Red Sox in 2008
  • Rated Best Defensive Outfielder in the International League in 2007
  • Rated Fastest Baserunner in the International League in 2007
  • Rated Best Baserunner in the International League in 2007
  • Rated Best Defensive Outfielder in the Boston Red Sox in 2007
  • Rated Best Athlete in the Boston Red Sox in 2007
  • Rated Fastest Baserunner in the Boston Red Sox in 2007
  • Rated Best Hitter for Average in the Boston Red Sox in 2007
  • Rated Best Defensive Outfielder in the Carolina League in 2006
  • Rated Fastest Baserunner in the Carolina League in 2006
  • Rated Best Baserunner in the Carolina League in 2006
  • Rated Best Defensive Outfielder in the Boston Red Sox in 2006
  • Rated Best Athlete in the Boston Red Sox in 2006
  • Rated Fastest Baserunner in the Boston Red Sox in 2006

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