Dusty Brown Stats & Scouting Report

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Former scouting director Wayne Britton was high on three draft-and-follows from 2000 who signed in 2001: Brown, lefthander Kason Gabbard and first baseman Brett Bonvechio all looked promising in 2002. Brown surprised the organization with his reluctance to catch at the beginning of the season, so he spent some time in the outfield in the Gulf Coast League, where he was the team's player of the year. He since has realized his quickest path to the majors is behind the plate and isn't resisting any longer. GCL managers compared him to former Twins standout Brian Harper because of Brown's line-drive stroke, but he has the potential for more upside. Brown should develop at least average power as learns how to get pitches he can drive, and he already works counts well. He's also a better defender than Harper was, throwing out 37 percent of basestealers in 2002 and showing agility behind the plate. Though Brown will play some right field in low Class A in 2003 because the Red Sox also want to get Alberto Concepcion time at catcher, his future is as a backstop. That said, Kelly Shoppach will provide a formidable obstacle in the future.

Compared by at least two managers to former big leaguer Brian Harper (now a minor league manager in the Angels system), Brown showed major league potential as both a catcher and right fielder. "He's got the arm strength to play either position, but he looks a little more relaxed at the plate when he's in the outfield," Subero said. "I question whether he'll develop enough power for right field, but he's a good enough hitter that he'll adjust to pitching in any league." Brown's quickest route to the big leagues is behind the plate. He's light on his feet and very agile, and he has a quick release with a strong, accurate arm.