Austin Kearns

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #1 prospect in 2002
  Kearns ranked ahead of Adam Dunn as a prospect entering the 2001 season, but Dunn left him in his dust when Kearns tore a ligament in his right thumb. A strong finish at Double-A Chattanooga (.346-3-17 in his final 15 games) and a torrid Arizona Fall League performance (.371-4-31 in 33 contests) renewed the Reds' faith in him. Before the season, Kearns asserted his presence in the organization by improving his power numbers annually while maturing overall at the same impressive rate. Though Kearns' injury affected his performance, it didn't spoil his approach--which is why he's the organization's top prospect for the second year in a row. Other Reds who earned the No. 1 distinction in consecutive years were Reggie Sanders (1991-92) and Pokey Reese (1994-96). His ability to hit to all fields and maintain command of the strike zone long has impressed the organization. He is also a precise outfielder who takes good routes on fly balls and has an above-average arm. If anything, Kearns' injury bolstered his status in the organization. His speedy recovery, along with the determination he showed, announced he could handle the adversity that ultimately strikes even the game's biggest stars. While no one would label Kearns lazy, because success has come easily to him, some in the Reds' inner sanctum fear he won't always apply himself as diligently as they might hope. Establishing a daily routine involving on- and off-field preparation--something the Reds try to stress throughout the organization--remains essential to Kearns' improvement. Like other hitters rising through the minors, he needs the savvy that comes with facing more experienced pitchers. His AFL stint should help in that regard. Kearns just might find himself in a Cincinnati uniform on Opening Day as a member of the starting lineup. The Reds' insistence on trying to win now on their limited budget forced them to trade Reese and Dmitri Young for pitching help. Unless he regresses, Kearns' arrival in Cincinnati probably will occur no later than midseason.
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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #1 prospect in 2001
  Kearns was a highly regarded high school pitching prospect until his senior year, when his velocity plunged from the low 90s to the low 80s. Undaunted, the Reds made him the seventh overall pick in the 1998 draft as a position player and refused to panic when he homered just once in 108 Rookie-level at-bats. He made steady progress in the low Class A Midwest League in 1999, then dominated when the organization's lack of a high Class A club (which finally was addressed with the addition of the California League's Mudville franchise for 2001) sent him back there last season. He ranked among the league leaders in nearly every offensive category and topped the circuit in runs, homers, RBIs and extra-base hits (66). He shared the league's official prospect-of-the-year award with Cardinals third baseman Albert Pujols. Kearns' power is now in full bloom. He homered in eight consecutive games from July 17-24, establishing a Midwest League record and falling two games short of the all-time minor league mark. Reds officials like Kearns' ability to distribute that power to all fields. Another of his assets is the ability to make adjustments at the plate. He made impressive strides with his strike-zone judgment in 2000, and the dividends were obvious. Kearns has decent speed, a strong arm and is proficient enough in right field to keep Cincinnati from considering switching him to first base. Though his attitude has earned praise, the Reds want to see him continue to push himself. Some say he's so good that he occasionally eases up a little bit. Developing a gameday routine--extra hitting, mental preparation and even a short workout, similar to the regimen most top major leaguers maintain--would benefit him. That also could help him fine-tune his swing, which gets a little long from time to time. The blueprints for Great American Ball Park, which is scheduled to open on Cincinnati's riverfront in 2003, might as well have Kearns' name etched in right field. He tops the group of prospects whom the Reds hope will provide an influx of young, economical talent as they move into their new stadium. The organization braintrust loves the idea of Kearns and Adam Dunn, the system's gems, flanking Ken Griffey, the franchise's crown jewel. For 2001, the Reds will be happy to watch Kearns continue to improve at Double-A Chattanooga.
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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #2 prospect in 1999
  Background: At the beginning of last spring, many scouts thought Kearns was a better prospect as a pitcher, but mechanical problems masked his 94 mph fastball and forced scouts to concentrate on him as a hitter. Strengths: Kearns combines good physical skills, a hitter's mentality and great makeup. A fundamentally sound hitter with excellent strike zone judgment, he has the potential to hit for both power and average. Though he had never played outfield before, Kearns made a seamless conversion to right field that allowed him to show off his plus arm and athleticism. Weaknesses: The Reds are not worried about Kearns' lack of power in his debut. Kearns' lack of first-step quickness prevents him from playing third base, where his tools appear to be better suited. The Future: The Reds have focused heavily on corner-position power hitters in both the draft and big league trades the past two years. Kearns has the best tools package of the group.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Southern League #20 prospect in 2001
  Kearns entered the 2001 season ranked as the Reds' top prospect ahead of Dunn and Drew Henson. While Dunn put together the best power display in the minors, Kearns battled numerous minor injuries prior to landing on the disabled list for nearly two months with a torn ligament in his thumb. Upon his return in August, Kearns made some minor adjustments and again displayed the ability to hit for power and average. A former pitching prospect in high school, he also has an above-average arm for right field as well as the athleticism to play the position. The Reds were pleased with the effort he made to return from what might have been a season-ending injury, and they believe he's on the verge of taking off. "He's going to be something," Gideon said. "He has a plus arm in the outfield. He's got a quick bat and he's a young kid for this league. He's got a good future ahead of him."
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  Ranked Midwest League #4 prospect in 2000
  Kearns threw 93-94 mph as a high school junior before his velocity plummeted the following year. He still went eighth overall in the 1998 draft, and now he brings power to the plate instead of from the mound. Kearns homered in eight consecutive games in July, part of a 15-day span in which he hit 14 longballs—one more than he hit in the MWL in all of 1999. There was no disgrace in repeating a level, because the Reds lack a high Class A team and Kearns was just 19 when the season opened. He led the league in runs, homers, RBIs and extra-base hits, sharing the MWL’s official prospect of the year award with Peoria third baseman Albert Pujols. "He improved offensively and defensively," said Michigan manager Al Pedrique, comparing this year’s Kearns to last year’s model. "He attacks the ball, though he doesn’t pull much yet. And he has the best outfield arm in the league." Like Snelling, Kearns offers all five tools. He runs well and plays a solid right field. He also walked nearly as much as he struck out, a very rare accomplishment for a young slugger.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #11 prospect in 2002
• Ranked Baseball America's #24 prospect in 2001
• Ranked Baseball America's #76 prospect in 1999

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Kearns threw 93-94 mph as a high school junior before his velocity plummeted the following year. He still went eighth overall in the 1998 draft, and now he brings power to the plate instead of from the mound. Kearns homered in eight consecutive games in July, part of a 15-day span in which he hit 14 longballs—one more than he hit in the MWL in all of 1999. There was no disgrace in repeating a level, because the Reds lack a high Class A team and Kearns was just 19 when the season opened. He led the league in runs, homers, RBIs and extra-base hits, sharing the MWL’s official prospect of the year award with Peoria third baseman Albert Pujols. "He improved offensively and defensively," said Michigan manager Al Pedrique, comparing this year’s Kearns to last year’s model. "He attacks the ball, though he doesn’t pull much yet. And he has the best outfield arm in the league." Like Snelling, Kearns offers all five tools. He runs well and plays a solid right field. He also walked nearly as much as he struck out, a very rare accomplishment for a young slugger.