Juan Melo
| AB | 13 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .077 |
| OBP | .077 |
| SLG | .077 |
| HR | 0 |
- Full name Juan Melo
- Born 10/11/1976 in Bani, Dominican Republic
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 160 / Bats: S / Throws: R
- Debut 09/02/2000
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
Background: Melo has been on the Padres priority list since he was named the top prospect in the Rookie-level Arizona League in 1994 at age 17. Strictly a shortstop until this winter, Melo played some third base in the Dominican League and hit with more power than he had previously shown. Melo's father Juan Sr. is a Padres scout. Strengths: Melo has polished defensive skills and the strength and bat speed to be a run-producing middle infielder. He could step into the Padres lineup defensively at any time. Melo has shown an almost unique consistency through his minor league career. Weaknesses: The downside of Melo's consistency is that he has not shown any improvement in his pitch selection, which keeps him from hitting up to his power potential. The Padres are optimistic he improved in this area over the winter. The Future: Incumbent shortstop Chris Gomez was given a three-year contract this offseason, blocking Melo from an immediate starting spot. The Padres will continue to work Melo at third base in spring training and also introduce him to second base to prepare him for a utility role.
