Deibinson Romero Stats & Scouting Report

AB	4782
AVG	.259
OBP	.351
SLG	.403
HR	132

Full name Deibinson Joel Romero
Born 09/24/1986 in Perdernales, Dominican Republic
Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 220 / Bats: R / Throws: R

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

The Twins had hoped Romero would begin to emerge as a third-base option for them this season after he made a run at the Appalachian League triple crown and a successful cameo at Beloit in 2007. He returned to the Snappers in 2008 but as with Joe Benson and Chris Parmelee, injuries short-circuited his season. Robinson needed minor left knee surgery in late April, sidelining him for nearly two months (and opening a roster spot for Ben Revere). When he returned in mid-June, Romero got hot, showing his bat speed, quick stroke and raw power. However, he went out for the season on July 18 when he broke his right leg falling into the dugout while making a running catch. He'll have to prove he can regain the agility to stay in the infield, and he wasn't scheduled to begin workouts until January 2009, an indication of the severity of injury. His hands can be a bit hard, but he has an above-average arm and all the tools to fit the profile of a regular third baseman--if he can stay healthy. Minnesota showed its faith in Romero by placing him on its 40-man roster, and he could earn a spot in high Class A with a strong spring.
Romero was part of the Rookie-level Elizabethton juggernaut that went 50-18, and he moved up for the Midwest League playoffs at season's end. He has the combination of offensive upside and defensive ability at a key position to be a big league regular. Romero's bat speed jumps out and gives him above-average power potential. He hadn't gone deep in his first 15 Appalachian League games last year, then blasted three homers and drove in 10 runs in a single contest. He stayed hot and finished third in the league in the triple-crown categories while tying for the league lead with 60 runs and 78 hits. Romero enhances his offensive value by being selective at the plate. He has solid athleticism and speed. He projects to be an above-average defender at third base, with agility and above-average arm strength. Some scouts are more confident in his glove than his bat, expressing concern about Romero's feel for hitting. He's the latest prospect to take up the challenge of filling the Twins' void at third base, but he's two or three years away from the majors. He'll begin 2008 in low Class A.

Minor League Top Prospects

Romero finished third in the league in batting (.316) and homers (nine). He's a gap-to-gap hitter who can drive the ball hard the other way, and he should have even more power as he gets stronger and turns on more pitches. Defensively, Romero has limited range at third base but he does have soft hands, arm strength and a quick release. He sometimes overthrows, but he's fairly steady and led Appy League third baseman with a .929 fielding percentage. His biggest need is to find an even keel, as he gets down on himself and lets his emotions affect his play. "He's got it in him," Elizabethton manager Ray Smith said. "He's a tools guy and he can hit it as far as anybody. He's got it in him, but we need to get it out of him."

Best Tools List

Rated Best Infield Arm in the Minnesota Twins in 2008
Rated Best Defensive Infielder in the Minnesota Twins in 2008

Career Transactions

Staten Island Ferry Hawks released 3B Deibinson Romero.
Staten Island Ferry Hawks activated 3B Deibinson Romero from the temporarily inactive list.
Staten Island Ferry Hawks placed 3B Deibinson Romero on the temporarily inactive list.
3B Deibinson Romero assigned to Staten Island Ferry Hawks.
3B Deibinson Romero assigned to Staten Island Ferry Hawks.