Keith Ginter

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #13 prospect in 2003
  Acquired along with lefty Wayne Franklin in a deal that sent Mark Loretta to Houston, Ginter impressed the Brewers during the final weeks of the season with a compact, powerful hitting stroke and a knack for getting on base. Though he once resisted a move to third base in the Astros system, he seemed comfortable there in September and made some nice plays. On most teams he'd be vying for a backup spot, but he'll get a chance to start at the hot corner in Milwaukee. Ginter had trouble following up on his breakthrough 2000 season, when he was the batting champion and MVP in the Double-A Texas League. He's purely an offensive player, using a short stroke to hit line drives and generate occasional pop, as well as showing consistent on-base ability. He's no more than an adequate defender, considered too stiff to play second base and not looking particularly comfortable in the outfield. He'll have to hit to win and then keep the third-base job, and may be better suited for a bench role.
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  Ranked Houston Astros #19 prospect in 2002
  Ginter was one of the surprise breakthrough players in any organization in 2000, leading all minor leaguers with a .457 on-base percentage while winning the Texas League batting title and MVP award. He led the Astros with five homers and 11 RBIs while batting .340 in spring training last year, but his lack of versatility hurt his chances of making the team. In Triple-A, he worked on learning the outfield. He's too bulky and stiff at second base, and his arm plays better in the outfield. Ginter had resisted a move to third base, which is probably his best position, but he has softened. He also played first base in Venezuela this winter. Though he's an offensive player, he needs to find a defensive home. Ginter has a short stroke and he enhances his on-base ability by walking and getting hit by pitches. He has power but sometimes get homer-happy, pulling too many pitches and hooking them foul. That approach also leads to too many strikeouts. Houston will give a long look again this spring, and Ginter could win a job as a reserve.
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  Ranked Houston Astros #10 prospect in 2001
  After a strong debut at short-season Auburn and a so-so year at Kissimmee, Ginter exploded in 2000. He was Texas League MVP after leading the minors in on-base percentage (.457) and his league in average and hit by pitches (24). In September, Ginter led Round Rock to a playoff championship, then hit his first big league homer off Jimmy Haynes. Ginter is a student of hitting who has a short, quick stroke reminiscent of Paul Molitor's. He has strong hands and arms, and he excels at reading pitches, so he doesn't struggle with breaking balls. He showed more power and speed in 2000 than he had in his first two years as a pro. Defensively, his biggest asset is his quick release when turning double plays. Though he can go the other way, Ginter likes to pull everything he sees. That aside, most of the work he needs to do concerns his defense. He's average at best as a second baseman. He's a bit stiff in the field, and his arm is just adequate. If he can continue to mash, the Astros will be likely to forgive his defense. It's also possible he could be moved to third base. Assuming Craig Biggio is healthy this year, Ginter will spend 2001 in Triple-A.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Texas League #11 prospect in 2000
  Something about Texas brings out the best in Ginter. He was an All-American at Texas Tech and hit .382 in a nine-game TL stint last year before winning the 2000 batting title. Through sheer willpower, Ginter transformed himself into a genuine prospect and the league MVP. He added speed and power to his game, hitting 26 home runs and stealing 24 bases, while leading the league with a .457 on-base percentage. Purpura said Ginter was the most improved player in the Houston system. "He's a complete player, physically and mentally," Moore said. "He knows exactly what to do in any game situation."

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Something about Texas brings out the best in Ginter. He was an All-American at Texas Tech and hit .382 in a nine-game TL stint last year before winning the 2000 batting title. Through sheer willpower, Ginter transformed himself into a genuine prospect and the league MVP. He added speed and power to his game, hitting 26 home runs and stealing 24 bases, while leading the league with a .457 on-base percentage. Purpura said Ginter was the most improved player in the Houston system. "He's a complete player, physically and mentally," Moore said. "He knows exactly what to do in any game situation."