Lance Jeffries Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Lance Dean Jeffries
Born 03/28/1993 in Ferguson, MO
Profile Ht.: 5'9" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Mccluer
Drafted in the 10th round (320th overall) by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011 (signed for $95,000).

View Draft Report

Multiple area scouts say outfielder Lance Jeffries' strong, compact frame and tools remind them of former Braves all-star Ron Gant. The 5-foot-9, 180-pounder generates impressive bat speed from the right side of the plate, and he has plus speed and center-field range to go with solid arm strength. He's raw as a hitter, with a lot of effort in his uphill swing, but a team that believes in his bat could pop him in the first five rounds. Committed to Iowa Western CC, he's considered signable.

Top Rankings

A St. Louis native, Jeffries wore No. 4 for years before changing, like so many other local youths, to No. 5 because of Albert Pujols. A self-professed baseball nut, Jeffries is a product of a local Boys & Girls Club, where he developed as a toolsy center fielder. He committed to Iowa Western CC and wasn't considered a tough sign, yet he lasted until the 10th round of the 2011 draft before turning pro for $95,000. Jeffries generates significant bat speed from the right side of the plate and has at least average power potential, though he'll need to level an uppercut swing. He has plus speed that he flashed during a workout at Busch Stadium. ("Like a dream," he called taking batting practice at the Cardinals' home.) He used that quickness to swipe 10 bases in 34 pro games, and it also serves him well in center and right field. Jeffries has sound outfield instincts and an arm that delivered 90-mph fastballs in high school. Area scouts said his stacked, compact frame reminded them of former all-star Ron Gant. Jeffries is one several raw, young Cardinals outfield prospects. He'll probably start 2012 in extended spring and move to short-season Batavia in June.