German Duran Stats & Scouting Report

Full name German Duran
Born 08/03/1984 in Zacatecas, Mexico
Profile Ht.: 5'10" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Weatherford College
Debut 04/17/2008
Drafted in the 6th round (189th overall) by the Texas Rangers in 2005 (signed for $90,000).

Top Rankings

Like Chris Davis in 2006, Duran went into the Rangers' predraft workout in 2005 and really impressed the club, convincing them to take him in the sixth round and award him a $90,000 bonus. He flew under the radar despite solid outputs in his first two pro seasons, but he exploded in 2007 in the Double-A Texas League, where he ranked as the No. 14 prospect after finishing among the leaders in most offensive categories. He held his own in the Arizona Fall League after the season, batting .281/.385/.422 despite spending his mornings in Arizona working with Rangers outfield coordinator Wayne Kirby on learning left field. Versatility figures to be Duran's best ticket to the majors--he's an average defensive second baseman with adequate range and a strong arm that allows him to fill in at third base and shortstop. Offensively, Duran packs some punch into his compact frame, and his short, quick, smooth stroke produces consistent, hard line-drive contact and average pull power. He's a very aggressive hitter who loves to hit early in the count, though a little more patience could do him some good. He used to be a dead pull hitter but has gotten better at knocking pitches on the outer half to the opposite field. Duran profiles as a Placido Polanco type who can play multiple positions but is a good enough hitter to eventually settle in as an everyday second baseman. He could get to the big leagues in 2008.

Duran was an afterthought in the Texas system coming into 2007, but he stung the ball all season and ranked among the TL leaders in most offensive categories. He also represented the Rangers on the World team in the Futures Game. Scouts and managers see Duran as an offensive second baseman whose overall approach to hitting isn't as polished as Antonelli's, but he offers more power. Duran isn't big but has a strong body and a quick bat, with the ability to put a charge in the ball. Most managers regarded Duran as a solid second baseman. He's good around the bag and should be able to make the routine plays, with average range and an average arm. His speed is fringe-average.