Julio Zuleta Stats & Scouting Report

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Signed as a catcher, Zuleta floundered behind the plate and didn't hit much. Three years into his pro career, he was on the verge of getting released before the Cubs decided to give him a shot as a first baseman. With his defensive responsibilities reduced, he began to hit. He has increased his home run totals in each of his five years at first base. Zuleta made an impression by launching two bombs off the scoreboard in a spring-training game against the White Sox, and he showed his power to all fields in his first big league trial last year. He has tightened his swing, but he still has holes in it and will chase breaking balls, especially against righthanders. He has no speed and thus no range at either first base or left field, though he does have arm strength. He should make Chicago's Opening Day roster and could see regular duty at first base, though he's only keeping the position warm until Hee Seop Choi is ready, which should be in 2002.

Zuleta spent four years as a light-hitting catcher in the Cubs system and was on the verge of getting released. Then he moved to first base in 1997 and has steadily increased his home run output each season. He was on pace for 35 homers and 127 RBIs had he spent the full season in the PCL this year. Zuleta has plenty of positives and negatives. On the plus side, Gamboa compares him to Marlins first baseman Derrek Lee (without the speed). His power is legitimate and he has some arm strength. But he also has an inconsistent swing, is susceptible to breaking balls from righthanders and has below-average range at first base and left field. "He has a chance to hit 20-25 homers a year," Trembley said. "The worst thing for this guy is he’ll platoon. He’s a good two-strike hitter, and he’s not just a pull guy."
Some are willing to sell this converted backup catcher short. Not Jacksonville's Anderson, whose team gave up five of Zuleta's home runs. Runge, another victim of Zuleta's power, added, "He's got a chance to be a valuable guy. He hit the ball as hard as anyone in the league." "He's made himself into a legitimate power-type prospect," said his manager, Trembley. "He has also played a whole lot better at first base than we thought he would."

Zuleta spent four years as a light-hitting catcher in the Cubs system and was on the verge of getting released. Then he moved to first base in 1997 and has steadily increased his home run output each season. He was on pace for 35 homers and 127 RBIs had he spent the full season in the PCL this year. Zuleta has plenty of positives and negatives. On the plus side, Gamboa compares him to Marlins first baseman Derrek Lee (without the speed). His power is legitimate and he has some arm strength. But he also has an inconsistent swing, is susceptible to breaking balls from righthanders and has below-average range at first base and left field. "He has a chance to hit 20-25 homers a year," Trembley said. "The worst thing for this guy is he’ll platoon. He’s a good two-strike hitter, and he’s not just a pull guy."