Micah Schnurstein
| AB | 2658 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .261 |
| OBP | .317 |
| SLG | .401 |
| HR | 63 |
- Full name Micah Braden Schnurstein
- Born 07/18/1984 in Monterey Park, CA
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 220 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Basic
- Drafted in the 7th round (210th overall) by the Chicago White Sox in 2002.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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The White Sox remain intrigued by Schnurstein's bat, though his last two seasons haven't been nearly as productive as his 2002 debut, when he set an Arizona League record with 26 doubles. He still has the ability to drive the ball to both gaps, but he doesn't show it as often because he doesn't work himself into favorable counts enough. He should be able to hit .300 but gets himself out too often by chasing pitcher's pitches. Schnurstein has a solid work ethic and has made strides in many facets of his game, but his impatience will only become more of a handicap as he faces smarter pitches. Though his speed is slightly below average, he stole 14 bases in 18 attempts in 2004. He has good reactions at third base and should be at least an average defender. At this point, it's a stretch to call Schnurstein a serious threat to Joe Crede and Josh Fields. He has moved one level at a time, a pace that would take him to high Class A this season. -
A surprise seventh-round pick in 2002, Schnurstein introduced himself by terrorizing pitchers in the Arizona League, where he set a record with 26 doubles in 50 games. He encountered much more adversity in his first full pro season. He hoped to begin the season in low Class A but was assigned to extended spring training. After reporting to Great Falls in June, he missed time with a wrist injury. He didn't look like the Schnurstein of 2002 at the plate, failing to drive the ball. The White Sox were impressed by how he took his lumps in stride and didn't get overly frustrated. Power should be his best tool. He's an aggressive hitter who doesn't walk much. Stockily built, he's a below-average runner. Schnurstein converted to third base midway through his high school senior season and has played well there. He has good reactions, soft hands and a solid arm. Schnurstein will go to low Class A this year and try to put 2003 behind him. -
Schnurstein wasn't expected to go as high as the seventh round in the 2002 draft, but he more than justified Chicago's faith by destroying the Rookie-level Arizona League. He hit the ball as hard as any player in the AZL, as nearly half his hits went for extra bases, including a league-record 26 doubles. He also played a solid third base. Schnurstein is a pure hitter who pounds the ball. His home run power should improve as he gains strength. While he started 2002 as a second baseman, he made a smooth transition to the hot corner. He has soft hands and enough arm for the position. The stocky Schnurstein doesn't run well. He could stand to improve his patience at the plate, but the White Sox aren't complaining about the initial results of his aggressive approach. Extended spring training and a second year in a short-season league are possibilities for Schnurstein, but don't be surprised if he hits his way onto the Kannapolis roster. He'd join Anthony Webster, Andy Gonzalez and Pedro Lopez in a lineup that should produce runs. Schnurstein has the potential to develop into a Phil Nevin clone.
Minor League Top Prospects
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There wasn't a manager who didn't take a liking to the stocky Schnurstein, who set an AZL record with 26 doubles and also led the circuit in RBIs. Garner compared him to Scott Rolen, and like many skippers cited Schnurstein's size, bat speed and ability to hit for average and power. "When he gets a little stronger," White Sox manager Jerry Hairston said, "a lot of the balls he drives to the right-center gap now will go over the fence." Schnurstein's only negatives are that he doesn't draw many walks or run well. But he does have soft hands and is a very capable third baseman.
