Juan Richardson

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #20 prospect in 2005
  Richardson, who had two years added to his age after the visa crackdowns in 2002, was leading the Eastern League in home runs in 2003 when he slipped on the stairs at his home, spraining his ankle and ending his season. He tore the labrum in his throwing shoulder that offseason and didn't get on the field in 2004 until the end of June, when he was sent down to high Class A to regain his stroke as a DH. Richardson returned to form once he returned to Double-A in August. He started cranking home runs with his ferociously aggressive approach--one that also helps him pile up strikeouts. The Phillies hoped Richardson might correct that flaw, but now are willing to accept his high strikeout totals because of his 30 home run power potential. He spent the winter in the Dominican Republic trying to get his arm strength back. When healthy, it's average, just like his overall defensive play. Richardson will move to Triple-A in 2005 and could see Philadelphia before the end of the year.
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  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #9 prospect in 2004
  Off-the-field developments have hampered Richardson's progress the last two years. He had two years added to his age, then in 2003 he slipped on the stairs at his home and badly sprained his ankle. The injury ended his season in June, just after he had been named to the Eastern League all-star team while leading the circuit in home runs. The injury problems continued in the offfseason, as Richardson had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. When healthy, Richardson ranks behind only Howard for pure power in the organization. He probably won't ever hit for much average, but he could produce 30-35 homers annually. He's an average third baseman with an average arm, and he improved his range in 2003. Plate discipline has been Richardson's undoing. Like many power hitters he's eager at the plate, and he must lay off breaking balls in the dirt. His defense often mimics his performance at the plate. Because he missed half the year in Double-A, Richardson will probably return there when he's ready to play. He'll likely miss the first month of the season. The best all-around third baseman in the system, Richardson could take over in Philadelphia by 2005 if he stays healthy.
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  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #14 prospect in 2003
  Richardson turned out to be two years older than previously thought, but kept crushing baseballs like he always had. The age change moved him from among the Florida State League's younger players to the same age as its veterans. Nonetheless, Richardson's considerable power potential still makes him one of the Phillies' better prospects. A year after socking 22 home runs in low Class A, he stroked 15 in the FSL's humid air and spacious ballparks. He tied for fourth in home runs and fifth in RBIs. He improved his approach at the plate by using the whole field and showed the ability to adjust against breaking pitches. He's not going to hit for a better average until he tightens his strike zone. An average defender, Richardson displays a plus arm along with good hands at third base. He's an average runner. Richardson progressed enough to make the move to Double-A in 2003. With his age adjustment, it's now important that he moves fast--and it's also worth wondering where his career heads if he begins to struggle.
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  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #22 prospect in 2002
  The Phillies had high hopes for Richardson when he signed out of the Dominican as a 17- year-old in 1998. Then he hit .216 with just eight homers in 388 at-bats over his first two seasons. Though still considered a raw prospect, he made major strides in 2001 under the guidance of Lakewood hitting coach Jeff Manto. Despite striking out 147 times, Richardson showed progress in handling offspeed stuff, tracking pitches better and using the whole field. He also improved in the field, exhibiting a strong arm and improved range at third. Richardson must cut down on his strikeouts, though he owns as much raw power as any prospect in the system. The pitching-friendly Florida State League will provide him a formidable test in 2002.