Habelito Hernandez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #20 prospect in 2004
  Unlike many of the infielders the Reds have signed out of Latin America, Hernandez has serious sock in his bat, though he doesn't possess the defensive gifts of some others. At the plate, Hernandez employs an overly aggressive approach but has tremendous bat speed and hand-eye coordination. The Reds tried to tone him down by telling him he couldn't swing until he got ahead in the count, and he still finished with two walks last year. Hernandez is a dead-red fastball hitter with plus power to all fields. He was sidelined for three weeks after he dislocated his right shoulder on a collision at third base, and his arm hadn't bounced back by instructional league. While he didn't show the quickness needed at second base, he demonstrated better reactions and average arm strength at the hot corner. Hernandez finished the season at high Class A, but he'll likely start 2004 in low Class A. If he learns to work counts better, he could return to high Class A by the end of the year.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Pioneer League #6 prospect in 2003
  Hernandez earned all-star honors despite separating a shoulder during the first game of the second half. He went to Florida for rehab and reported to the high Class A Carolina League when he recovered. The Reds say Hernandez has the ability to be a run-producing third baseman. He saw activity at the hot corner in Billings, and should play there extensively in instructional league. He has quick reflexes and a strong arm, as well as the pop teams want in a corner infielder. "He has a tremendous upside," Billings manager Jay Sorg said. "He can drive the ball to all fields. He hits through the ball as well as anyone I've seen this year, and he does an excellent job of putting the ball in play."

• December, 2002 Scouting Report
  Hernandez earned all-star honors despite separating a shoulder during the first game of the second half. He went to Florida for rehab and reported to the high Class A Carolina League when he recovered. The Reds say Hernandez has the ability to be a run-producing third baseman. He saw activity at the hot corner in Billings, and should play there extensively in instructional league. He has quick reflexes and a strong arm, as well as the pop teams want in a corner infielder. "He has a tremendous upside," Billings manager Jay Sorg said. "He can drive the ball to all fields. He hits through the ball as well as anyone I've seen this year, and he does an excellent job of putting the ball in play."