Bubba Bell Stats & Scouting Report

Top Rankings

Of all the hitters who thrived at Lancaster last year, none could top Bell. He was named MVP, rookie of the year and all-star game MVP in the California League, which he led in batting (.370), slugging (.665), homers per at-bat (one every 14.6) and plate appearances per strikeout (9.7). He likely would have paced the Cal League in several counting stats had he not been promoted to Double-A in early July, as he was tops in all three triple-crown categories at the time. Bell clearly benefited from playing his home games at Clear Channel Stadium, but the Red Sox say he's not a fluke. He has a short lefthanded swing, tremendous plate discipline and a willingness to use the entire field, so there's no reason he can't keep hitting for average. His power was inflated by Lancaster, but he has enough juice to hit 10-15 homers per year under normal conditions. Bell has solid speed and plays a better center field than Boston thought, and he has an average arm. He may be more fourth outfielder than regular, but his ability can take him to the majors. He was slowed by back and quadriceps injuries once he got to Double-A, and he'll head back there to start 2008.

Lancaster's launching pad allowed several JetHawks to post impressive offensive numbers. Outfielder Zach Daeges led the minors in runs (124), doubles (a league-record 55) and extra-base hits (81); first baseman Aaron Bates homered four times in one game; and former indy leaguer Brad Correll went deep 23 times in just 59 contests. The best prospect on the club was Bell, who led the league in all three triple-crown categories before he was promoted to Double-A, where he continued to hit after a slow start. He held on to the batting (.370) and slugging titles (.665) and won Cal League MVP honors. Though he was old for high Class A at 24 and benefited from Clear Channel Stadium, Bell drove the ball to all fields and punished any pitch left over the plate. He also played a solid center field, taking good routes and displaying an average arm. "For me, he is all-world," Sakata said. "We had to be perfect in to get him out. Anything else he kills."