Jermaine Clark

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Texas Rangers #19 prospect in 2003
  After wandering unnoticed through the Mariners farm system for nearly six seasons, Clark is more valued by the Rangers. After they acquired him in a trade for Ismael Valdes, Clark had an excellent debut with his new organization and kept hitting in the Arizona Fall League. Though Clark wasn't protected on Texas' 40-man roster, he made it through the Rule 5 draft and could make the Rangers in a utility role. Exclusively a second baseman while with Seattle, Clark has moved to center field and taken to the switch. He has good speed and range for the position, but still needs to learn the intricacies of the outfield and has a below-average arm. His strengths are his speed, his ability to make consistent contact and his eye for drawing walks. The last trait is especially valued by Texas. Even after the signing of Doug Glanville, center field is still a trouble spot in the organization, and Clark could help the Rangers there this year.
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  Ranked Detroit Tigers #24 prospect in 2001
  Clark hit well over .300 in each of his first three professional seasons, moving steadily up the ladder despite a perceived lack of tools. He was off to a tremendous start last year at Double-A New Haven, hitting .400 through mid-May before tailing off late. Clark has a quick swing, but he typically uppercuts and pulls off the ball. He has made the swing work for him at every stop, despite predictions that better pitching would overmatch him. Somehow he keeps getting on base, and he's a threat to run when he gets there. Defensively, Clark has held his own, though he's not the rangiest infielder around. Detroit selected him in the major league Rule 5 draft, so he has to be kept in the majors of offered back to Seattle for half the $50,000 draft price. Damion Easley has declined in each of the last two seasons, but Clark doesn't project to take his starting job at this point