Brennan Boesch Stats & Scouting Report

AB	1577
AVG	.25
OBP	.303
SLG	.4
HR	48

Full name Brennan Phillip Boesch
Born 04/12/1985 in Santa Monica, CA
Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: L / Throws: L
School California
Debut 04/23/2010
Drafted in the 3rd round (82nd overall) by the Detroit Tigers in 2006 (signed for $445,000).

View Draft Report

Boesch is often linked with teammate Chris Errecart, and the two roomed together (with ace righty Brandon Morrow) this year at California. While Errecart had the stronger summer last year in the Cape Cod League, Boesch has emerged as the better draft prospect. Boesch was a highly touted high school hitter who was expected to excel in college. He has what scouts look for in a prospect, but while he had set a new career high with 10 home runs, his slugging percentage was actually lower than it was in 2005, and scouts had been disappointed by his overall performance. He's been erratic, at times showing above-average bat speed and the ability to catch up to good fastballs, and at others showing a long swing that short-circuits his power. His hands are dead at the start of his swing, often keeping him from loading up and generating power. Boesch has significant athletic ability for a big man, allowing him to move well for his size, and could play either outfield corner thanks to a slightly above-average arm and average speed.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Boesch put up uninspiring numbers in his first three seasons before leading the Eastern League in homers in 2009. Scouts who saw him last year were skeptical, however, saying his numbers were inflated by Erie's cozy ballpark, where he hit 19 of his 28 longballs. Boesch does have considerable raw power, but it's produced with a stiff, mechanical uppercut swing. He has bat speed, but his stroke can get long and has an arm bar that results in a lot of holes. He has particular difficulty pulling his hands in when pitchers come inside with fastballs. Boesch is a fringe-average runner but moves well for his size, and he has an adequate arm that's playable in right field. He struggles against lefthanders and may not be more than a platoon player, especially if he doesn't improve his approach and ability to make contact. He'll get his first Triple-A opportunity in 2010.
Boesch wasn't as impressive over his first full season as he had been in his 2006 pro debut, but he showed flashes of his potential as a run-producing outfielder. He has long arms and a tall frame to help leverage a promising-yet-inconsistent line-drive swing. He has shown power to his pull side, thanks to good bat speed, but his swing does get long from time to time. Boesch started taking pitches the other way late in the year and needs to do so more often. He runs into trouble when he extends his arms too much and tries to pull outside pitches. Boesch has average speed and arm strength. He isn't graceful in right field, though he does hustle after balls. Boesch currently projects as a reserve because he lacks the plus power expected from a corner outfielder. He'll play in high Class A this year.
Boesch entered 2006 as a candidate to go in the first round of the draft, but an inconsistent junior season dropped him to the third round, where the Tigers signed him for $445,000. He was steadier in his pro debut, leading Oneonta in homers and the New York- Penn League in RBIs. The key for Boesch is maintaining a sound stroke. He shows plus bat speed and catches up to good fastballs at times, and a longer, slower swing at others. If he can load his hands better and generate more power, he could become a 20-25 homer threat without sacrificing his ability to hit for average. Boesch's other tools aren't overwhelming, so his ceiling might be no higher than a productive fourth outfielder. He has average speed that plays better in the outfield than on the bases, and a slightly above-average arm. He played mostly right field at Oneonta but also logged time in center field. Boesch has good baseball instincts and could flourish with the proper instruction and developmental plan. He'll open his first full season at one of Detroit's Class A affiliates.