Brian McFall Stats & Scouting Report

AB	2453
AVG	.253
OBP	.334
SLG	.446
HR	99

Full name Robert Brian McFall
Born 03/17/1984 in Flagstaff, AZ
Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 215 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Chandler-Gilbert CC
Drafted in the 3rd round (72nd overall) by the Kansas City Royals in 2003 (signed for $385,000).

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

McFall was a surprise third-round pick in 2003, but the Royals didn't want to risk losing him. They liked his athleticism and power, and he threw 92 mph as a righthander. After signing for $385,000, he struggled with the transition from junior college to Rookie ball. He also was overmatched in low Class A at the beginning of 2004, though he fared well after a demotion, leading the Pioneer League in doubles, RBIs, slugging percentage and steals. McFall is an emotional player, and often carries one at-bat into the next. That's a big reason for his struggles in Burlington and for his success at Idaho Falls. His bat speed and strength give him raw power to rival that of any Kansas City farmhand, especially when he gets his arms extended. He strikes out too much because he struggles to recognize breaking balls and sometimes pull off pitches when he tries to muscle up. McFall has slightly above-average speed and moves well, enabling him to make a smooth adjustment from first base to right field last year. He also continues to show a plus arm, though he needs to make better reads on balls hit over his head. McFall could have five tools that all play average or better in the majors, though the Royals will handle him cautiously. They know jumping him past low Class A in 2005 could lead to more difficulties.
McFall wasn't on the radar for many teams early in the 2003 draft, but the Royals rated his power potential among the best in the class. They signed him for $385,000. He was one of five players drafted last year out of Chandler-Gilbert, where he also showed promise on the mound. McFall's future won't be on the mound, however, because the ball really jumps off his bat. He has as much raw power as anyone in the system, but he has a ways to go in understanding breaking balls and working himself into hitter's counts. He didn't see too many fastballs in the Arizona League, where he often batted cleanup. McFall is an intense player who works hard and runs out every ball, but he sometimes plays out of control. He's an above-average runner for his body type and can play third base a little bit, though he's better at first base. He's still a below-average defender, though he has made strides. McFall hit 92 mph off the mound in college, so he has the arm to go with the athleticism to move to the outfield if needed. He'll stay in Rookie ball this year.

Minor League Top Prospects

While statistics carry much less weight than tools in evaluating Rookie-level players, McFall's performance this summer was noteworthy. After hitting .172 in the low Class A Midwest League to start the year, he was demoted to Idaho Falls and worked diligently to improve his approach at the plate. He succeeded, as he led he PL in doubles (23), RBIs (68), extra-base hits (38), slugging (.618) and stolen bases (23). McFall has a strong upper body, and when he extends his arms he shows plus power to all fields. He hit for a high average despite striking out 64 times in 68 games, but he'll have to make better contact at higher levels. He has slightly above-average speed, though he's not a burner. After moving from first base to the outfield this year, he has work to do to improve his defensive skills. He profiles best as a left fielder.