Onil Joseph

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #14 prospect in 2004
  Known as Miguel Mota and believed to be a year younger prior to the 2003 season, Joseph continued to make a name for himself in the Atlanta organization. The leadoff hitter set the table for the South Atlantic League champions, combining with Jeff Francoeur and Ardley Jansen to give Rome one of the most promising outfields in the lower minors. With his short, sweet swing and above-average speed, Joseph batted .330 during the final two months to finish 10th in the SAL batting race. His strike-zone judgment is advanced for his age and should improve further. Joseph is a good defender but still is learning how to take the most efficient angles on balls. He has good arm strength, though his accuracy could stand a little improvement. While he has done a good job of adding strength to his wiry frame, Joseph could use a little more muscle. Joseph is headed in the right direction and will move up to high Class A in 2004.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Florida Complex League #13 prospect in 2002
  Joseph is a four-tool talent, short only on raw power. He has a quick bat and drives balls hard to all fields from both sides of the plate. Legitimate power could come when he fills out his 6-foot-2, 165-pound frame. At this stage of development, Joseph's defense is his biggest strength. He has excellent center-field instincts and a prototype right fielder's arm. Though he has above-average speed, his baserunning technique needs work. "He's the best center fielder in our division," Campos said. "He's a Kenny Lofton-type player with a chance to hit for more average."

• December, 2001 Scouting Report
  Joseph is a four-tool talent, short only on raw power. He has a quick bat and drives balls hard to all fields from both sides of the plate. Legitimate power could come when he fills out his 6-foot-2, 165-pound frame. At this stage of development, Joseph's defense is his biggest strength. He has excellent center-field instincts and a prototype right fielder's arm. Though he has above-average speed, his baserunning technique needs work. "He's the best center fielder in our division," Campos said. "He's a Kenny Lofton-type player with a chance to hit for more average."