Kevin Russo

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked New York Yankees #27 prospect in 2010
  Russo continues to grind his way toward the big leagues, despite injuries and holes in his game. He suffered facial fractures in June 2008, when he was hit in the face by a batted ball during a practice, and has dealt with hamstring pulls the last two seasons. Russo's hitting ability, speed and arm all rate as plus tools, with his defense grading out as average at both second base and third base. He clearly knows what kind of player he is and led the system in batting (.326) in his first try at Triple-A with a slashing, contact-oriented approach. He uses the whole field and has some modest gap power. He's willing to take a walk and would be a future leadoff option if he were a better basestealer. He's a streaky defender and has just fair hands. His arm helps him turn the double play at second, and he's better defensively at third. He can play shortstop in a pinch and also has experience playing the outfield corners. Russo has hit in Double-A, the Arizona Fall League and now Triple-A. He could be an everyday infielder on a second-division team and fits a utility profile for the Yankees. He'll compete with Reegie Corona for that role in 2010 after joining the 40-man roster in the offseason.