Craig Brazell Stats & Scouting Report

AB	38
AVG	.263
OBP	.3
SLG	.395
HR	1

Full name Craig Walter Brazell
Born 05/10/1980 in Montgomery, AL
Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: L / Throws: R
School Jefferson Davis
Debut 08/17/2004
Drafted in the 5th round (154th overall) by the New York Mets in 1998.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

The Mets used to dream of what Brazell might become if he could be more selective, but at this point it's unlikely he'll ever walk much or cut down on his strikeouts. As a result, his performance has steadily dropped as he has faced more experienced pitchers. Brazell, whose father Ted caught and managed in the Tigers system, too often ends up behind in the count because pitchers have figured out that he's almost always looking for something he can drive. His aggressive swings and strength give him plus power when he connects. He has soft hands, but he has below-average speed and limited range and arm strength at both first base and left field. He got his first taste of Shea Stadium with a September callup, but New York's trade for Doug Mientkiewicz relegates Brazell to a big league reserve at best.
The son of Ted Brazell, a former Tigers minor league catcher and manager, Craig caught in high school but moved to first base after signing. He has tied for the system's home run lead in each of the last two seasons. Brazell can put on a show in batting practice and does a good job of converting his raw power into game production. Despite an aggressive approach, he has shown he also can hit for average. He has soft hands at first base. Brazell takes big swings looking for fastballs early in the count, which allows pitchers to get ahead of him. He rarely walks and strikes out in bunches. His speed and defensive range are below-average. Brazell's path to the majors appears blocked by Mike Piazza's move to first base. Brazell tried the outfield during instructional league to increase his versatility, but first base still appears to be his best position. He'll start 2004 in Triple-A.
Drafted as a catcher, Brazell moved to first base in 1999 and has earned team MVP honors in the last two seasons in Class A. He boosted his performance after his July promotion to Double-A last year, and continued to excel with a strong showing in the Arizona Fall League. Brazell makes hard, consistent contact, and managers rated him the best power-hitting prospect in the Florida State League last year. His home run totals have increased as he has learned which pitches he's capable of driving. Brazell has a knack for rising to the occasion, which helped him record a 10-game RBI streak last season. The Mets want Brazell to work deeper counts after he walked just 14 times last year. That will not only increase his on-base percentage, but it will also make him more productive if he looks for a hitter's pitch. While he has made steady progress at first base, he needs to get better at making difficult plays. New York officials consider Brazell the most promising lefthanded hitter they've developed in years. He should be a candidate for the big league club in 2004.
Brazell blossomed into a dangerous offensive player in 2001, leading Capital City in home runs and RBIs during his second season in the South Atlantic League. The son of Ted Brazell, who played and coached 14 years in the Tigers system, Craig drove the ball consistently from the left side of the plate, learned to go to the opposite field when necessary, and improved his defense at first base. The lone negative came when he dislocated his knee July 19 and missed the remainder of the season. At the time of his injury, Brazell ranked among the SAL leaders in several offensive categories. He had been unstoppable with the bases loaded, going 5-for-5 with a home run and 14 RBIs. An aggressive hitter who did a better job with his pitch selection last year, Brazell must continue to be selective. He's slated to move up to high Class A this season.

Minor League Top Prospects

The best power hitter in the Mets system, Brazell showed 30-homer potential in the EL. The former catcher also has a sweet lefthanded stroke that allows him to hit for average as well. But there are some concerns about Brazell's long-term potential. He has yet to show much plate discipline or the ability to make adjustments against top-notch pitching. Brazell also became more pull-conscious this season as he opened up his stance. It helped him escape an early-season slump but it also made it more difficult for him to take outside pitches to left field. Defensively, Brazell showed soft hands and adequate range.