Rudy Guillen Stats & Scouting Report

IP	4
ERA	6.75
WHIP	1.75
BB/9	6.75
SO/9	13.5

Full name Rodolfo D. Guillen
Born 11/23/1983 in Santo Domingo Centro, Dominican Republic
Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: R / Throws: R

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Guillen ranked third on this list just two years ago, and the Yankees still see some ceiling in him. Expectations have been lowered, though, as it becomes apparent that he doesn't have quite the power the organization thought would develop. His swing consistently is a little late and a little long. Because power is the last tool to come, the Yankees haven't ruled out that Guillen will shorten up and hit for enough pop to be a starting corner outfielder. He showed improved ability to pull the ball in the club's fall minicamp, a crucial aspect he must add to his game to avoid being pounded inside by fastballs. His plate discipline also hasn't progressed as he has advanced to higher levels. Otherwise, Guillen still has solid tools, with good hands that allow him to steer offspeed pitches to the opposite field with some authority. His strong throwing arm remains his best tool. Guillen got his first Double-A experience last season and wasn't overwhelmed. He'll return to the Trenton in 2006, still trying to make the adjustments needed at the plate to avoid being characterized as a fourth outfielder.
The best news the Yankees got from Guillen in 2004 came in their fall minicamp, when he gave hints that his lost season was an aberration. He was coming off an impressive low Class A performance and appeared to be developing into a prototype right fielder, with power in his bat and arm. But in his encore, he missed nearly two months with a high ankle sprain and never showed the same pop or approach that had led one club official to compare him to Manny Ramirez. Guillen has great hands and kills offspeed pitches, but pitchers pound him inside with hard fastballs and he hasn't yet shown the ability to adjust. He has to learn how to pull the ball, rather than trying to serve most everything to the opposite field. Showing more patience at the plate also would help. The Yankees want Guillen to be less analytical and let his natural ability--which includes solid-average speed--take over. They may send him back to high Class A to open 2005 so he can get off to a good start.
After signing for $100,000, Guillen showed his power potential by leading the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League with 11 home runs in 2001. In 2003, he moved to center field, the position at which scout Victor Mata first spotted him, and made the jump to full-season ball. An exciting athlete, Guillen makes the game look easy with his graceful actions and projectable tools. He's an above-average runner with a strong arm and solid instincts for center field. He still shows more raw power than game power, but the ball jumps off his bat. Guillen is a bit of a wild swinger. An aggressive hitter early in the count, he too often falls behind and is susceptible to breaking balls. He worked on becoming more selective this offseason at the Yankees' complex in the Dominican. Last summer he drew 13 of his 32 walks in August, more than enough to win a dinner bet with Dodgers prospect Joel Guzman over who would draw more free passes. Guillen has as much upside as any player in the system. He'll spend 2004 in high Class A.
When baseball people talk about a Rookie-level prospect, they typically are reserved. While the Yankees try to temper their enthusiasm, Guillen's ability is too much to ignore. Signed for just over $100,000, Guillen led the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League with 11 home runs in 2001, and was the No. 2 prospect in the GCL in 2002. Guillen might have the highest ceiling in the organization. With a strong family background and education, he should continue to pick things up quickly. He projects as a power-hitting right fielder, though he plays center field now. Once timed as a 7.6-second runner in the 60-yard dash, he soon improved to 6.8--reminiscent of former Yankees farmhand Cristian Guzman at the same age. While Guillen has five-tool potential, his ability to hit for average will be tested against more advanced competition. He doesn't show the patience Yankees hitters are known for. Already blessed with a strong frame, Guillen is expected to fill out and develop into a prototype corner outfielder. He's at least four years away, but by that time he could be atop this list.

Minor League Top Prospects

Battle Creek's top two prospects were outfielders. Bronson Sardinha is a more accomplished hitter at this point, but he has had to be demoted to jump-start his bat in each of the last two seasons. Though Guillen isn't as polished, he's younger and has a broader base of physical skills. "I like him more than Sardinha," Claus said. "He has a chance to be Raul Mondesi. He has a plus-plus arm and all kinds of tools." Guillen's youth shows at the plate, where he's still learning how to work pitchers and deal with breaking balls. He should have above-average power once he fills out his lanky 6-foot-3 frame. He covered center field well for the Yankees but projects more as a right fielder.
Tall, lanky and very strong at 18, Guillen has all the tools to become an impact player. "He's got raw power, drives in runs, uses the whole field, covers ground and has the best outfield arm in the league," Yankees manager Manny Crespo said. "He reminds me of Vladimir Guerrero at a similar stage." "He's got the highest ceiling in the league," Phillies manager Ruben Amaro said. "He's 6-foot-4 and pretty much can do it all." Guillen's weakest tool is his speed. He's just an average runner by major league standards, but he positions himself well in right field, runs excellent routes and has a very strong, accurate arm.