Brandon Larson

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #8 prospect in 2003
  After transferring to Louisiana State from Blinn (Texas) Jumior College for his junior season, Larson finished second in NCAA Division I to Rice's Lance Berkman with 40 homers and was the College World Series MVP in 1997. Years of battling through knee, ankle and wrist surgeries slowed his progress as a pro and led to his removal from the 40-man last spring. Then his bat heated up at Triple-A Indianapolis. Larson is a deadred fastball hitter, geared to yank heat out of the park. He made adjustments to hit offspeed stuff last year and became a more complete hitter when he started using the whole field. He also had laser eye surgery, which coincided with his improved pitch recognition. He's average at the hot corner. Larson is a full-effort hacker with a lot of pre-swing movement. He has an aggressive, power hitter's mentality that doesn't lend itself to working counts and still leaves him susceptible to offspeed pitches. After trading Todd Walker, the Reds will move Aaron Boone to second base to make room for Larson at third. At 26, he needs to seize his opportunity.
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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #15 prospect in 2002
  The Reds' first-round pick in 1997, when he set an NCAA record for homers by a shortstop with 40, Larson finally made his big league debut last season. However, there's plenty of internal debate as to whether he can prosper in the majors over the long haul. Having built his reputation with offense as an amateur, Larson has proven to be a solid third baseman as a pro. He charges balls and makes off-balance throws expertly, and he shows a well above-average arm on more routine plays. At the plate, Larson's power is beyond question. When he hits a ball solidly, it stays hit. But his lack of consistency concerns the Reds, who think he might benefit from trying to hit to the opposite field more often. The club also began to wonder about his conditioning as 2001 progressed and are curious to see if he eliminates the perceived flab by spring training this year. Larson is likely to begin 2002 in Triple-A.
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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #17 prospect in 2001
  Staying healthy has been Larson's biggest challenge since he was drafted in 1997. He was the College World Series MVP that year, leading Louisiana State to the national championship and setting a college record for shortstops with 40 homers. After enduring ankle and knee injuries in his first two pro years, Larson has stayed in the lineup and shown his power the last two seasons. Of course, the Reds always knew Larson could hit. They have a healthy appreciation for his quick bat and ability to turn on a fastball. Larson also has continued to develop defensively. He still needs a little more patience at the plate before he can get his first look at Cinergy Field. Larson probably will begin the season at Triple-A and could arrive in Cincinnati if Aaron Boone's surgically repaired knee gives him any trouble.
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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #11 prospect in 1999

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked International League #15 prospect in 2002
  Larson posted the biggest numbers of any of the league's third basemen--including age. At 26, he had at least two years on the other hot-corner prospects. After hitting .255-14-55 in the IL a year ago, he had laser surgery. He credits his improved vision and Triple-A experience for his breakout year. He had taken over the league's home run lead when the Reds called him up in early July. While power always has rated as his best tool, Larson topped .300 for the first time this year. Like Crede he has reached his ceiling but has solid overall skills. He's not in Crede's class with the glove, but he's an average defender. "Watching him last year to this year is like night and day," Evers said. "He showed much more power and the ability to adjust to the breaking ball."
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  Ranked Southern League #19 prospect in 2000
  June 1997 was a terrific month for Larson. He was drafted in the first round by the Reds, led Louisiana State to the national title and was named MVP of the College World Series. But then his fortune took a downturn, as he missed most of the next two seasons with ankle and knee injuries. Now he's back on track. Larson's best tools are his power to all fields and his strong arm. A college shortstop who has moved to the hot corner, Larson will have a hard time surpassing Drew Henson if Henson opts to play baseball over football.

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  June 1997 was a terrific month for Larson. He was drafted in the first round by the Reds, led Louisiana State to the national title and was named MVP of the College World Series. But then his fortune took a downturn, as he missed most of the next two seasons with ankle and knee injuries. Now he's back on track. Larson's best tools are his power to all fields and his strong arm. A college shortstop who has moved to the hot corner, Larson will have a hard time surpassing Drew Henson if Henson opts to play baseball over football.