Juan Silvestre

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Seattle Mariners #10 prospect in 2001
  Silvestre made the Midwest League all-star team in 1999, but it wasn’t quite enough to convince people. He made sure they took notice in 2000, leading the minor leagues in RBIs and earning California League MVP honors. The Mariners considered promoting him at midseason but wanted him to put two solid halves together—something he didn’t do the year before. Silvestre has excellent power and already has 106 minor league home runs. The Mariners believe he’ll hit for average as well. He shows a willingness to work hard on other aspects of his game, turning himself into an adequate defensive outfielder. Silvestre’s bat has to be his ticket. He’s a below-average runner with a below-average arm. He still strikes out a lot, but that’s a common tradeoff with young power hitters. His monster numbers were inflated by Lancaster’s home park, as he hit .340-20-86 at home and .265-10-51 on the road. Silvestre will report to Double-A in 2001. It will be interesting to see how he performs with expectations on him after a big season.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked California League #19 prospect in 2000
  Perhaps it's a surprise to see the most dominant performer in the league rated no higher than 19th. But he was 22 and in his sixth professional season. His numbers were inflated by the wind-riddled Hangar, and his outfield defense remains a work in progress. "He is tough to assess because of our ballpark," Parent said. "He has developed a right-center stroke, though, a la Edgar Martinez, and he does the little things it takes to get runs in, too. You don't get 137 RBIs by just hitting homers and doubles. He'll push the ball to second base with a man at third. I don't think he gets enough credit for his intelligence in the game." Silvestre stayed in left field to avoid the tricky wind currents in right at the Hangar, but Parent said the Mariners project him as a right fielder.

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Perhaps it's a surprise to see the most dominant performer in the league rated no higher than 19th. But he was 22 and in his sixth professional season. His numbers were inflated by the wind-riddled Hangar, and his outfield defense remains a work in progress. "He is tough to assess because of our ballpark," Parent said. "He has developed a right-center stroke, though, a la Edgar Martinez, and he does the little things it takes to get runs in, too. You don't get 137 RBIs by just hitting homers and doubles. He'll push the ball to second base with a man at third. I don't think he gets enough credit for his intelligence in the game." Silvestre stayed in left field to avoid the tricky wind currents in right at the Hangar, but Parent said the Mariners project him as a right fielder.