Aaron Baker Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Aaron Hawkins Baker
Born 09/10/1987 in Denton, TX
Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 220 / Bats: L / Throws: R
School Oklahoma
Drafted in the 11th round (325th overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2009.

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First baseman Aaron Baker stands out for his power and patience at the plate. The 6-foot-3, 232-pound lefthanded hitter smoked 15 homers and drew 40 walks in 63 games this season. He also starts his hands low and has some holes in his swing, compromising his ability to make contact (50 strikeouts) and hit for average (.284). A below-average athlete and runner, Baker could offer some surprising defensive value. He caught in high school and played there at times this spring. He has an average arm and threw out five of 11 basestealers. He's the grandson of Jerry Mays, who played in two Super Bowls and was an all-American Football League performer as an offensive and defensive lineman.

Top Rankings

Baker is the grandson of Jerry Mays, who played in two Super Bowls and was an all- American Football League player as an offensive and defensive lineman. He came to the Orioles in the deadline trade of Derrek Lee to the Pirates last July, bringing a tool the system is woefully short on: power. Scouts grade Baker's power as at least plus, and some give it 70 grades on the 20-80 scale. His swing is about strength more than bat speed, but he has a good idea of the strike zone and is willing to take a walk. His strikeouts are certainly tolerable if he produces homers as expected. Baker was a catcher in high school and at times in college, but he has moved to first base as a pro and gotten bigger. He played at 240-245 pounds last summer and has said he wants to get back to 220-225 in 2012. He should be an adequate first baseman with a solid glove but little range. His arm is fine and he's a well below-average runner. Baker didn't perform well in his limited time at Double-A at the end of last season, so he'll probably return there to open 2012.