Ruddy Yan

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Chicago White Sox #27 prospect in 2004
  Tremendous speed hasn't translated to a quick climb up the ladder for the slightly built Yan. He has run into a roadblock despite 164 stolen bases the last two years, tops in the minor leagues. He was a Carolina League all-star last year after posting league bests in runs, steals and hitting streak (26 games). But Yan didn't make the progress at the plate that the White Sox hoped for when they had him repeat high Class A. He's a blazer who forces the infield in and still gets hits on squibbers and choppers. But he hasn't developed the authority, especially from the left side, to drive the ball past infielders or over outfielders, who also play him shallow. Yan needs more strength and more discipline, as he doesn't reach base enough to inspire the belief he could bat leadoff at the upper levels. He did improve his defense significantly last season, covering lots of ground and making fewer mistakes. Chicago also discovered that Yan was a year older than originally believed, which didn't help his case. He'll have to hit better to survive Double-A in 2004.
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  Ranked Chicago White Sox #27 prospect in 2003
  This guy can fly. Some in the White Sox organization even believe Yan could steal bases standing up. He led the minors with 88 steals in 107 attempts last year. Yan's batting average slipped from .283 in low Class A to only .253 after he was promoted to high Class A. Despite his speed, the switch-hitting Yan hasn't become more than a singles hitter. He needs to gain strength, especially in his upper body. He's athletic and has above-average range at second base but needs work on his fundamentals. He always has been willing to work. He will be tested by Double-A pitchers but needs to make only minor adjustments with the advantage his speed gives him. Drawing more walks would help, because his value comes from what he can do once he gets on base.
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  Ranked Pittsburgh Pirates #26 prospect in 2002
  Yan's U.S. debut was limited to just 12 games in the Gulf Coast League in 2000 because of a bad hamstring. He made a strong impression in a limited time and followed that up with a solid performance in low Class A last year. He's a quality defender who can handle both shortstop and second base. He's athletic and has above-average range, good hands and a fine arm. Yan also has very good speed and instincts on the bases. He understands how to play the little man's game and will take a pitch or drop down a bunt. He draws high marks for his enthusiasm and attitude. Yan needs to be more consistent defensively, as he tends to make silly mistakes when he loses his concentration. He's quite thin and needs to get stronger, because pitchers with good fastballs can knock the bat out of his hands. Yan will move up to high Class A this season, which will be a big step to see if he can handle more advanced competition.
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  Ranked Pittsburgh Pirates #27 prospect in 2001
  After spending 1999 in the Dominican Summer League, Yan played was limited to 12 games in the Gulf Coast League last year because of hamstring injuries. He has outstanding speed and is capable of taking an extra base or stealing a base at any time. That speed, coupled with his willingness to take a walk, could make him a future leadoff hitter. Yan's solid range at shortstop, along with a strong arm and soft hands, makes him an above-average defender. He also has an infectious personality and great enthusiasm for the game. Yan has little strength and his power is negligible. He’s strictly a slap hitter who must get stronger or risk getting the bat knocked out of his hands by pitchers at higher levels. Like many young middle infielders, Yan is prone to making careless errors but should outgrow that in time. Depending on what happens in spring training, Yan either will start this season with Hickory or stay in extended spring training before joining Williamsport. He doesn't figure to see the major leagues until at least 2005.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Florida Complex League #13 prospect in 2000
  Yan got hurt early and again late, and ended up playing in only 12 games. Still, he made an immediate impression on all four managers in the Northern Division, particularly as a leadoff hitter. Defensively, he has good hands and an excellent arm. "For 18, he really knows how to work the count, which is important for a leadoff guy," Pirates manager Woody Huyke said. "He's an excellent bunter and finds a way to get on base." "He can fly," Shelton said. "With his speed, he can change the whole tempo of a game."

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Yan got hurt early and again late, and ended up playing in only 12 games. Still, he made an immediate impression on all four managers in the Northern Division, particularly as a leadoff hitter. Defensively, he has good hands and an excellent arm. "For 18, he really knows how to work the count, which is important for a leadoff guy," Pirates manager Woody Huyke said. "He's an excellent bunter and finds a way to get on base." "He can fly," Shelton said. "With his speed, he can change the whole tempo of a game."