Daryl Jones Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Daryl Wayne Jones
Born 09/01/1986 in Los Angeles, CA
Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Westchester
Drafted in the 4th round (102nd overall) by the San Diego Padres in 2004 (signed for $375,000).

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1B Daryl Jones, a Cal State Fullerton signee, has excellent raw power in an impressive 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame. He hit seven home runs this spring, but scouts expected more after routinely seeing him put on mammoth shows in batting practice.

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The Padres selected college players with their first 25 picks in 2003, but they reversed that trend by taking high school players with their first three picks in 2004. The last of the group was Jones, who participated in Major League Baseball's RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program as a youth player. He reached base in all but five games before his season was cut short by a sprained ankle. Jones' raw power ranked among the best of prep players available in the draft. Just 17 when drafted, Jones' long, muscular frame generates plus power to all fields. He's a surprisingly adept defender, with soft hands and a solid arm. Padres officials were impressed with his desire and work ethic. Jones' swing has a bit of a hitch, and coaches are working with him to get his bat into the zone quicker. He is learning how to pick his pitch, and needs to develop a better understanding of the strike zone. Yet the Padres were surprised by the overall polish in Jones' game. His performance in the spring will dictate whether he reports to low Class A or extended spring training.

Jones was one of the youngest players in the 2004 draft, and didn't turn 18 until September. He still had no problem adapting to pro ball, and two managers thought he had as much upside as any hitter in the league. "He has a very quiet approach," Lopez said, "but he'll hit and hit for both average and power." Most of Jones' pop is to the opposite field, as he stays back on breaking balls well and takes pitches the other way. He needs work on his defense but should be a quality first baseman in time.