J.T. Restko Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Jason Thaddeus Restko
Born 12/15/1984 in Oak Lawn, IL
Profile Ht.: 6'5" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Marist
Drafted in the 10th round (293rd overall) by the Miami Marlins in 2003 (signed for $90,000).

Top Rankings

Restko made huge strides in 2005, showing a new willingness to take pitches and work counts and showing commensurate gains in average and on-base percentage. Tall and slender like Mariners slugger Richie Sexson, the wiry Restko extends the comparison with some of the best raw power in the system. He's tough to whiff and spoils two-strike pitches that would put away most young hitters. Some would like to see him be more aggressive early in counts, but his overall approach is excellent. A Chicagoland product, he worked out last winter at a nearby hitting school run by hitting coordinator John Mallee. It was typical for him to put in 15 straight days at the facility before Mallee would force him to take a day off. Restko is a below-average defender in left field and could wind up at first base. Florida wants to see if he can't make the necessary improvements in the outfield, though his arm and range are just adequate. Restko will play left field in high Class A in 2006.

Despite his large frame and youth, Restko is a polished hitter with leverage in his swing and an understanding of the strike zone. He projects to be above average both hitting for average and power if he continues on his current path. Restko has a two-strike approach and knows how to shorten up his swing, an important skill for such a young hitter. His power should only increase as he gains strength and familiarity with his own hitting zone. He's known for his intense workouts, which led to a slight back injury early in the season. "He's an offensive kid," an NL scout said. "He's a smart hitter. Guys who make adjustments are the guys who keep on going." Restko was in his first year moving from first base to the outfield, and it showed at times. He was injured and missed a game in July when he whiffed on a fly ball and it conked him on the head. His arm and range are just adequate in left field, though he has shown good feet at first base and would present a big target if moved back there.