Brennan King
| AB | 3705 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .264 |
| OBP | .325 |
| SLG | .374 |
| HR | 69 |
- Full name Brennan Lee King
- Born 01/20/1981 in Murfreesboro, TN
- Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 220 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Oakland
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Drafted in the 2nd round (69th overall) by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1999 (signed for $800,000).
View Draft Report
There isn't a sure first-round pick in Tennessee this year. The best hope was SS Brennan King, an outstanding hitting prospect compared by scouts to Travis Fryman and Dean Palmer. King missed much of the season after hurting his arm when he was not properly warmed up to pitch and felt a pop in his shoulder. He returned to shortstop by the end of the season but his arm strength had not fully returned, possibly knocking him down to the second round. King, a Mississippi State signee, projects more as a third baseman. He will hit no matter where he plays. His hands, arm and power grade out average or better. Speed is his only below-average tool; he gets to first in 4.5 to 4.6 seconds. If he could run faster, he might have been one of the top 10 picks in the draft.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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King had an outstanding spring training in 2001 and the Dodgers had a bevy of infield prospects set for Wilmington, so he jumped past low Class A to the Florida State League. Skipping a level may have been too challenging for King, who also battled a hamate problem in his wrist. While he struggled at the plate, he did show the solid all-around ability that put him on a fast track in the first place. While he played shortstop in high school, he's an excellent defender with a strong arm and good mobility at third base. He also impressed the Dodgers last year with his ability to remain resilient and maintain his confidence in the face of adversity. With just five home runs in 749 pro at-bats, he has yet to display the power potential Los Angeles officials project him to develop, but they remain confident he'll blossom as he continues to mature physically. King also needs to improve his plate discipline and make more consistent contact. He's expected to climb to Double-A in 2002. -
King made the move from playing shortstop in high school to third base as a professional last year. He did anything but embarrass himself, and impressed managers enough to be ranked as the short-season Northwest League's 12th-best prospect. In fact, more than one skipper considered King to be Yakima's top prospect. He has attracted comparisons to Travis Fryman. He has outstanding athletic ability, impressive size, a strong arm and good mobility at the hot corner. While he hit just one home run in 238 at-bats, he projects to have above-average power as soon as he gets stronger. The greatest concerns regarding his game center on his ability to add strength and hit consistently enough to play third base in the major leagues. The Dodgers love his makeup, but his confidence tends to wane, which is to be expected for such a young player. With a solid season under his belt, King will move up the organizational ladder to Wilmington this spring.
Minor League Top Prospects
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A high school shortstop, King got his first exposure to third base last summer in the Rookie-level Pioneer League. His athletic ability and arm have few doubting he can play the hot corner, but the question will be whether he hits enough for the position. "He has the makeup and the tools to do it," Yakima manager Butch Hughes said. "His defense is solid and the bat will be there. He has shown me raw power for his age. Confidence is fragile, and he'll get better the more confidence he gets."
Scouting Reports
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A high school shortstop, King got his first exposure to third base last summer in the Rookie-level Pioneer League. His athletic ability and arm have few doubting he can play the hot corner, but the question will be whether he hits enough for the position. "He has the makeup and the tools to do it," Yakima manager Butch Hughes said. "His defense is solid and the bat will be there. He has shown me raw power for his age. Confidence is fragile, and he'll get better the more confidence he gets."
