Daniel Mateo
| AB | 1678 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .257 |
| OBP | .322 |
| SLG | .383 |
| HR | 26 |
- Full name Daniel Mateo
- Born 08/10/1991 in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 180 / Bats: S / Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Jorge Bonifacio wasn't the only young Latin American to emerge on the Royals prospect scene in 2011. Mateo showed an advanced approach with a sweet swing for a switch-hitter as he flushed away a poor 2010 to rank among the best hitters in the Rookie-level Pioneer League. His lefthanded swing allows him to keep the bat head in the zone for a long time. His righty stroke has no obvious flaws but isn't smooth or refined. The big question for Mateo is whether he'll improve enough at second base to stick there, because he doesn't have enough power potential to profile at third base. He has the tools to be a solid defender at second, with adequate range, reliable hands and a strong arm for the position. His footwork is a mess at times, though that can be explained somewhat by his youth. He's an average runner. Mateo will join a very crowded infield in Kane County in 2012. -
Gookie Dawkins, Ranier Olmedo and Edwin Encarnacion give the Reds an abundance of surehanded infield prospects. Some observers believe Mateo may have better defensive tools than any of them. His soft hands are rivaled by his nimble feet. He puts the latter to good use on offense, relying on his speed to leg out infield hits and steal bases. He led Cincinnati's Rookie-level Gulf Coast League club in swipes last year. He's still adjusting to switch-hitting and needs to solidify his approach from both sides of the plate. He also could stand to add about 25 pounds to his lightweight frame. Mateo will remain in Rookie ball at Billings, where he received a brief trial in 2001.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Mateo batted just .218 with little patience or power in the Arizona League a year ago, but this year he finished fifth in the Pioneer League batting race at .348. The switch-hitter drew praise for his strong hands and smooth actions in the batter's box, even if his other tools don't quite measure up. "I really liked his lefthanded swing and middle-of-the-field approach," Diaz said. "He was OK righthanded, but more advanced from the left side." Mateo played 23 games at second base and 17 at third, but also spent 16 games at DH. He doesn't have a lot of speed or quickness and doesn't project to have enough power to profile at a corner position, making him a potential infield tweener. His best chance to be a regular will come if he can cut it defensively at second base. -
Mateo was one of the league's best defensive shortstops, running neck-and-neck with Aybar. He has all the tools: plus arm strength, great hands, plus range and good foot speed. He makes difficult plays look routine. Routine plays are where Mateo sometimes struggled, however, as he committed 30 errors, the second-most in the league. There are no major flaws to work out, just some youthful exuberance. "He could be a big league shortstop," Bilardello said. "He's not the top guy in any statistics, but when you see him play, you look beyond that." While no one questions Mateo's defensive abilities, everyone wonders if he'll hit. He has the speed to beat out grounders and steal bases, but hasn't mastered getting on base. One manager also questioned his work ethic, saying he looks lackadaisical in the field at times.
