Brant Colamarino

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Oakland Athletics #23 prospect in 2006
  After a disappointing full-season debut in 2003, Colamarino got into the best shape of his life and had a breakout campaign in 2004. He started strong in Double-A in 2005 but was unable to replicate his success in Triple-A, where he hit just .194 with one home run in his final 25 games. Colamarino has as much in-game power as any player in the system, thanks to a compact swing and tremendous natural strength. He's also the organization's top defensive first baseman, with soft hands and good reactions. Colamarino lost confidence in his abilities at Triple-A and began to press, leading to a pull-conscious approach that left him highly susceptible to good lefties. He's a well below-average runner. Colamarino had surgery on his non-throwing shoulder in the offseason, but is expected to be healthy by the start of spring training. Blocked by an organizational glut of players limited to first base or DH, he'll give Triple-A another shot in 2006.
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  Ranked Oakland Athletics #28 prospect in 2005
  Colamarino went to Pittsburgh's Central Catholic High and then played collegiately at Pitt, the same route that NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino took. Colamarino tied a Panthers record with 19 homers in 2002, when the A's made him a seventh-round pick. In the bestseller "Moneyball," then-Oakland assistant general manager Paul DePodesta said, "No one else in baseball will agree, but Colamarino might be the best hitter in the country." No one would come close to agreeing two years later, though he did get his bat going in high Class A last season. After hitting .259 in each of his first two seasons, he reported to spring training in the best shape of his life, dropping 20 pounds. He was among the California League leaders in all three triple-crown categories--though old for high Class A at age 23--before a promotion to Double-A. Colamarino has a quick, short swing that generates good contact and power. While solid across the board offensively, he lacks one plus tool to profile as an everyday player. Colamarino is a surprising good athlete and the best defensive first baseman in the system. He's also ambidextrous, and is known to take fielding practice at third base and throw with his right arm. He's a below-average runner but not a clogger, and he has good instincts on the basepaths. He's headed back to Double-A.