Jarred Ball

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #23 prospect in 2005
  Ball has made slow and steady progress through the system, and that continued in 2004 as he put up career-highs in numerous categories, with his 15 home runs more than tripling his previous best. Ball does many things well, hitting for a decent average with some power. An above average runner who can steal bases and play all three outfield positions, Ball is a gamer who consistently outplays his skills. Scouts have trouble warming up to Ball, as he lacks any single outstanding tool to project him as more that a fourth outfielder. He needs to be more selective at the plate and is prone to chasing breaking balls, which has led to lofty strikeout totals. His arm is average at best and his poor routes in the outfield leave some feeling he'll be relegated to a corner. The Diamondbacks have always seen Ball as a one-level-at-a-time player, and that will continue at Double-A in 2005.
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  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #26 prospect in 2004
  Ball grew up just outside of Houston, where he learned the game from his father Randy, a former minor league catcher. Ball turned down a college commitment to play for his hometown University of Houston after the Diamondbacks drafted him. He was overmatched as a 19-year-old in low Class A in 2002, not reaching base enough to make use of his plus speed. Ball became an all-star his second time through the Midwest League, showing good baserunning instincts and quickness as he swiped 32 bases in 43 attempts. He's a good defender who can play center field, though his arm is below average. A singles and doubles hitter, Ball would fit nicely atop a lineup if he can improve his plate discipline. But his 2-1 strikeout-walk ratio leaves much to be desired from a player who has shown little pop. Ball might have trouble standing out in an organization suddenly rife with outfield talent, especially in center. He'll try to impress again in high Class A in 2004.