• Full name James William Negrych
  • Born 03/02/1985 in Buffalo, NY
  • Profile Ht.: 5'9" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: L / Throws: R
  • School Pittsburgh
  • Drafted in the 6th round (170th overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2006 (signed for $150,000).
    View Draft Report
    There is quality at the top of Pennsylvania's college ranks, but little depth. Third-team preseason All-America second baseman Jim Negrych lived up to his lofty offensive expectations, leading Pittsburgh in the triple crown categories (.396-11-60). At the same time, Negrych is undersized (he's generously listed at 5-foot-10), not very athletic, a below-average runner and a poor defender at second base. He plays above his tools to get the job done, and his lone above-average tool is the most important: He can really hit. Early in the year, Negrych was trying to elevate everything, but as the season progressed he returned to his smooth line-drive stroke and his statistics improved. Negrych generates good bat speed and slightly above-average power with his quick hands, but he thrives when he stays in control and drives balls to the gaps or the opposite field. He has improved his approach and pitch recognition this season, becoming a more selective, mature hitter. Defensively, Negrych has below-average arm strength, he plays the wrong hops, and he never has forward momentum when he fields the ball. His bat and makeup will likely carry him to the top five rounds, and the paucity of position players could inflate his stock further, but he would be a reach in the top three rounds.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Strike-Zone Discipline in the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2009
  • Rated Best Strike-Zone Discipline in the Carolina League in 2008
  • Rated Best Strike-Zone Discipline in the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2007

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