Ferdin Tejeda

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked New York Yankees #7 prospect in 2004
  Signed for $35,000 in February 2000, Tejeda had his pro debut postponed for a year by an abdominal strain. He finished second in the Dominican Summer League with a .330 average in 2001. Last season, Tejeda was sidelined several times with hamstring injuries but recovered to hold his own in the Arizona Fall League. He's nicknamed Pescado because he eats only fish. A switch-hitter, Tejeda handles the bat well from both sides and uses quick hands and an efficient line-drive swing. He puts the ball in play, though not with the same authority as Joaquin Arias. Defense is Tejeda's true calling card. He has one of the best arms in the system, athletic actions and soft, quick hands. While he stays back on breaking balls, Tejeda tends to be too aggressive early in the count. He has to gain more control of the strike zone to handle a jump to Double-A in 2004. Tejeda brings a lot of positive energy to the game, but remains coachable and willing to address his weaknesses. His AFL stint should help prepare him for the Eastern League.
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  Ranked New York Yankees #13 prospect in 2003
  Instead of continuing to target big-ticket players such as Wily Mo Pena and Jackson Melian, the Yankees are trying to spread out their bonus money in Latin America by signing more players for smaller amounts. Tejada could turn out to be the best bargain of all, as he signed for just $35,000 in 2002. With improved diet, instruction and overall conditioning, he has progressed in all facets of the game over the last two years. Dominican scout Victor Mata, who signed Cristian Guzman in 1994, gives Tejada's tools the edge across the board, save Guzman's top-of-the-line hands. Tejada emerged in the Dominican Summer League in 2001 by finishing second in the circuit in hitting. Both his speed and arm are plus-plus tools, and he has quick, sure hands. He can handle the bat from both sides of the plate, with a more advanced approach from the left. Power will never be his forte, though increased extra-base ability should develop with physical maturity. Tejada knows his limitations, uses all fields and is an outstanding bunter. With a career .303 average, he'll likely head to low Class A Michigan in 2003 for his first taste of full-season action.