D’Angelo Jimenez
| AB | 2159 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .263 |
| OBP | .351 |
| SLG | .377 |
| HR | 36 |
- Full name D'Angelo Jimenez
- Born 12/21/1977 in Santo Domingo Centro, Dominican Republic
- Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: S / Throws: R
- Debut 09/15/1999
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Jimenez led all minor league shortstops with a .327 average in 1999, putting him in line to serve in a big league utility role in 2000. Those plans were dashed in January when he broke his neck when his car hit a bus in the Dominican Republic. He was sidelined until July. All of Jimenez' tools are average or better with the exception of his power, and he can sting the ball well for a shortstop. He draws walks and makes contact. Defensively, he's solid at short and has shown an aptitude for playing second base. Unlike Soriano, who's still a work in progress, Jimenez is refined. He's not an above-average runner and he's still working on turning the double play at second, but those are minor flaws. Fully healthy again, Jimenez should claim that utility job. If the Yankees decide Chuck Knoblauch can't play second base, Jimenez would be the logical in-house candidate to replace him. -
Background: If Soriano's status is highlighted by Jeter, then Jimenez has been largely obscured by both of them. It's worth noting that it was Jimenez, not Soriano, who played more for the parent club in late September. Strengths: Jimenez has solid tools across the board, as well as excellent instincts and skills. His combination of switch-hitting skills, line drive stroke, plate discipline and above-average speed make him an ideal No. 2 hole hitter. Defensively, Jimenez is steady at short. He has extremely sure hands and an accurate throwing arm, and he could easy adapt to second or third. Weaknesses: Jimenez is primarily a contact hitter righthanded, with little power. Despite other good instincts, his baserunning isn't particularly good. The Future: Jimenez would project as the starting shortstop for eight to 10 major league teams, so the Yankees know they have a valuable commodity. However, his versatility and switch-hitting ability might land him a utility infield role with New York. -
Background: Jimenez already was moving through the Yankees system quickly when injuries forced New York to bump him straight up to Columbus in May. Instead of struggling, Jimenez held his own offensively and shined in the field. Strengths: Jimenez is an excellent athlete whose tools are average to above-average across the board. He showed surprising power against older Triple-A pitchers, along with excellent strike zone judgment and discipline. Jimenez' defensive tools are good enough to play shortstop in the major leagues. Weaknesses: Despite above average speed, Jimenez is a below average baserunner and not a strong threat to steal. Otherwise he would be ideal as a leadoff or No. 2 hitter. There is also the problem of having Jeter and Soriano ahead of him. The Future: Jimenez has much better physical ability than many current big league shortstops. Because of his athleticism and offensive skills, he might make an ideal utilityman until a starting opportunity opens up.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Futures Game MVP Alfonso Soriano wasn't in the league long enough to be considered for this list, but Columbus already had a 21-year-old Dominican shortstop playing at an accelerated level. Nearly every manager found a place for Jimenez on his individual top 10. A few see him more as a second baseman than a shortstop, but in an organization with Jeter and Soriano, that may not be much of a knock. He even spent time at third base for the Yankees in September. "He definitely can catch the ball. And he's an outstanding runner, a switch-hitter who puts the ball in play," Pawtucket's Jones said. "His only below-average tool is power, and he may hit with more power." "He's a good contact hitter with gap power." Evers said. "He's had a solid season and he's very durable."
