Rod Barajas

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #26 prospect in 2001
  The Diamondbacks' expectations for Barajas have become more realistic after a disappointing Triple-A season in 2000. He led Tucson in homers and RBIs, but it wasn't a strong offensive club. And his .226 batting average and .253 on-base percentage were simply dismal. There was plenty of excitement after Barajas, who was signed out of a tryout camp, reached the majors late in his fourth season. But he proved susceptible to outside breaking pitches at Tucson and during a brief stint with the Diamondbacks in September. His stagnation caused concern whether the Diamondbacks could survive with him as the No. 2 catcher if they don't re-sign Kelly Stinnett. For all of Barajas' offensive shortcomings, though, he received strong praise from former Arizona manager Buck Showalter and several major league pitchers who have thrown to him on minor league rehabilitation assignments. There's no doubt he will be pushed at some point by Brad Cresse and recent signee Melvin Rosario, so it would behoove him to start hitting.
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  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #12 prospect in 1999