Joey Gathright Stats & Scouting Report

AB	1175
AVG	.263
OBP	.328
SLG	.303
HR	1

Full name Joey Renard Gathright
Born 04/27/1981 in Hattiesburg, MS
Profile Ht.: 5'10" / Wt.: 175 / Bats: L / Throws: R
School Bonnabel
Debut 06/25/2004
Drafted in the 32nd round (949th overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2001.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Gathright's progression through the system has been as rapid as his world-class speed. He reached the big leagues less than one year after earning rookie-of-the-year honors in the high Class A California League. Perhaps the fastest runner in baseball, Gathright ranked third in the Triple-A International League in steals despite playing just 60 games there. He is beginning to master the art of slapping the ball on the ground and using his legs to get on base. He also has outstanding range in center field. To become an effective leadoff hitter, Gathright must work counts better and draw more walks. He has trouble getting around on inside fastballs. He'll be a better basestealer once he learns how to read pitchers better. His arm strength and accuracy are below-average. Shortly after Gathright got to Triple-A, the Rays opened discussions on a long-term contract with him. He's likely to break camp with the big league team after Rocco Baldelli tore his ACL playing backyard baseball with his brother during the offseason, which could keep him out until July.
The Rays' 2003 minor league player of the year, Gathright topped the system in stolen bases and ranked second in batting before a dislocated left shoulder brought his season to an early end. The injury cost him a September callup and a possible spot on the U.S. Olympic qualifying team. Possibly the fastest player in the minors, Gathright is more polished than most burners. He's a disciplined hitter with solid strike-zone judgment, and he already shows on-base ability to go with his leadoff speed. With his athleticism, Gathright can leap cars, from front to end. Though he was successful on 69 of his 85 attempts, Gathright still is learning the nuances of stealing bases. His power is minimal, though he's adept at making hard contact. His first two pro seasons have been cut short by dislocated left shoulders. That's his non-throwing shoulder, but his arm is below-average. After surgery to repair a torn labrum, Gathright resumed workouts in December and should be fine in 2004. He'll open in Double-A or Triple-A, and should reach the majors by season's end.
Gathright may be the fastest player in the minor leagues. The Devil Rays have clocked him at 6.18 seconds in the 60-yard dash, and some say he's one of the few players to possess truly game-changing speed. His natural athleticism has allowed him to make solid progress. His development was hindered last year when he lost two months after separating his shoulder while trying to make a diving catch. Gathright hails from the same area of Louisiana that produced Toe Nash, who produced more hype than production before the Rays released him. His approach at the plate is simple, with Gathright either bunting or butcher-chopping virtually every pitch. In fact, his first 50 hits last season were singles. He has a short swing and a good knowledge of the strike zone, but it's not clear he'll hit at higher levels. In addition to adding strength, Gathright must get better jumps and reads on fly balls in the outfield. He also must become a student of stealing bases, as his 22 swipes in 2002 came strictly on athletic talent. While Gathright has work to do to be another Quinton McCracken, he should make the jump to high Class A in 2003.

Minor League Top Prospects

Touted as the fastest man in the minors, Gathright regularly wreaked havoc on the basepaths--though looking at his statistics wouldn't reflect that. He stole 33 bases but was caught 13 times, indicating that he relies on his pure speed "He just doesn't seem to read pitchers very well at this point," an NL scout said. "I like him for what he can do to get on base, but he needs to focus more on what the pitcher's doing, what the situation is and use those aspects to his advantage. Right now he's just go, go, go." Gathright's speed gives him great range in center field, though his arm is below average. He wasn't as disciplined at the plate as he was in 2003, but if he regains that patience he can be a true leadoff man. "He's a pest," Brown said. "He'll slap at it and the ball will go six feet and before you know it, he's past first base. He still has a lot to learn about stealing bases, but when he does he'll be the kind of guy who can change the game just with his presence."
Gathright has game-changing potential with his top-of-the-charts speed. For that, managers recognized him as the Cal League's most exciting player. Unlike many burners, Gathright is more of a complete player and has a disciplined approach at the plate. He doesn't hit for power but he makes hard contact and has above-average bat speed, prompting the AL scout to liken him to a stronger Juan Pierre. "He puts the ball in play, has a knowledge of the strike zone and he flat-out flies," Munoz said. "He's still learning how to steal bases but he's very exciting. Every time a rover came in town they were amazed at how much he improved. He will play in the big leagues." Gathright moved one step closer to Tampa Bay when he was promoted to Double-A in July. His season ended early when he separated his shoulder, which will keep him from playing in the Arizona Fall League.