Nathan Haynes

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #16 prospect in 2003
  Injuries have limited Haynes to just one full season in the last four. He was out of action for most of 1999 with a career-threatening sports hernia, and he missed three weeks in 2000 with wrist and shoulder injuries. He has had arthroscopic surgery on both knees and last spring, when he was making a good impression in big league camp, he tore a ligament in his left thumb and didn't return until June. Haynes is still a plus runner. While scouts can't figure out why he doesn't steal more bases, he uses his speed effectively to track down balls in center field. At the plate, Haynes hits line drives but lacks pop. Because he hasn't developed into a more disciplined hitter to hit atop the order, and his sub-.400 career slugging percentage isn't enough for a corner, he profiles as a reserve outfielder. For all his injuries, he has six years under his belt and is still just 23. It's back to Triple-A in 2003, unless Haynes can show he's capable of handling Orlando Palmeiro's duties as an extra outfielder and left-handed pinch-hitter.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #8 prospect in 2002
  Haynes has kept team doctors busy. His medical file includes arthroscopic surgery on each of his knees, nagging wrist and shoulder injuries, and a career-threatening operation for a sports hernia. His resiliency is a testament to his work ethic and natural athleticism. After missing 61 games last season, Haynes hit .300 with nine steals in the Arizona Fall League. At a compact yet rock-solid 5-foot-9, he is starting to realize his limitations and stay within himself. Multiple knee surgeries haven't slowed him down, as he can still fly. He's a potential leadoff hitter with occasional power. A center fielder, he tracks down balls from gap to gap and has average arm strength. He is working on improving his selectivity, which will be critical in determining whether he hits at the top or bottom of the order down the road. He has just enough power to get him in trouble, because he tends to get long with his swing and tries to lift a lot of pitches. Despite being among the youngest players in his league every year and his injury-riddled past, Haynes hasn't had his development retarded. If he can get a healthy Triple-A season under his belt, he'll be on the verge of teaming with Amezaga in a speedy, new-look Angels lineup.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #8 prospect in 2001
  When the Angels collapsed in 1999, one of their few highlights was the trade that brought in Haynes, Elvin Nina and Jeff DaVanon. Haynes has been banged up for most of the last two seasons, suffering a hernia in 1999 and battling through wrist, shoulder and knee injuries in 2000. He is the fastest legitimate prospect in the organization. He's also the best center fielder, getting great jumps on balls with the closing speed to steal extra-base hits out of the gaps. His arm is average. The Angels see Haynes as a leadoff hitter, and he occasionally can drive the ball for power. He would be best served by concentrating on making contact and getting on base. The Athletics are sticklers for plate discipline, and Haynes has regressed since he switched organizations. He needs to improve his durability and basestealing skills. After running into an outfield wall, Haynes had minor postseason surgery to clean out his knee. He'll be ready to go in spring training. If Tim Salmon leaves as a free agent after 2001, Garret Anderson could move to right field and Haynes could get a look in center.
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  Ranked Oakland Athletics #9 prospect in 1999
  Background: Haynes grew up in the East Bay, training with his neighbor Willie McGee, and has many similarities in his game. The A's assigned Haynes to Modesto last spring with the expectation that he would be moved to short-season Southern Oregon midway through the year. Instead, Haynes more than held his own in the Cal League. Strengths: Haynes' game is speed. He's being groomed as a center fielder, leadoff-type player who can get on base. He is blessed with outstanding defensive tools and instincts, and has a plus arm. He has the potential to be a top basestealer. Weaknesses: Haynes has yet to develop discipline at the plate and needs many more games of experience. He has been hampered by injuries during the last two instructional leagues which has hindered his development. During the offseason, he had a small hernia removed which could resolve some of the problems. The Future: Haynes will return to the California League in 1999 to continue to develop such skills as bunting and base running.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Texas League #11 prospect in 2001
  The fleet-footed Haynes had 33 stolen bases in 79 games, and his speed was evident every night as he stretched singles into doubles and routinely ran down seemingly uncatchable fly balls. The former Oakland first-round pick has yet to play a full professional season without injury, but that seems to be the only question about his potential. "Haynes could start on a few major league teams already," an AL scout said, "and if he's not in the Angels outfield next year I'm sure Anaheim will be getting serious offers for him. Haynes' Arkansas teammate Elpidio Guzman has arguably better tools but isn't nearly as refined. Haynes tightened his strike zone and improved as a hitter after batting .254 in Double-A a year ago. "When he's at full speed," Arkansas manager Mike Brumley said, "he can help a team in just about every way possible."

• December, 1998 Scouting Report
  Background: Haynes grew up in the East Bay, training with his neighbor Willie McGee, and has many similarities in his game. The A's assigned Haynes to Modesto last spring with the expectation that he would be moved to short-season Southern Oregon midway through the year. Instead, Haynes more than held his own in the Cal League. Strengths: Haynes' game is speed. He's being groomed as a center fielder, leadoff-type player who can get on base. He is blessed with outstanding defensive tools and instincts, and has a plus arm. He has the potential to be a top basestealer. Weaknesses: Haynes has yet to develop discipline at the plate and needs many more games of experience. He has been hampered by injuries during the last two instructional leagues which has hindered his development. During the offseason, he had a small hernia removed which could resolve some of the problems. The Future: Haynes will return to the California League in 1999 to continue to develop such skills as bunting and base running.