Terrmel Sledge

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Washington Nationals #9 prospect in 2004
  Sledge pounded Pacific Coast League pitching in 2003, leading the league in runs while finishing second in slugging and third in batting. Because Major League Baseball wouldn't permit the Expos to expand their roster in September, Sledge never got a look in the majors. After the season, Sledge made headlines by becoming the second player on a major league roster to test positive for steroids. He tested positive during Team USA tryouts in October, though the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency did not announce the results until January. Because the test was not conducted by Major League Baseball and took place in 2003, Sledge will not face any sanctions under MLB's new steroid policy. Sledge has a compact stroke that allows him to spray line drives to the gaps. He has a game plan and always has quality at-bats. He waits for his pitch and is aggressive when he gets it. He did a better job of using the whole field and hitting pitches up in the strike zone in 2003. His 22 homers doubled his previous career high. He's athletic and has above-average speed. Because he doesn't project as a big league center fielder, Sledge needs to add more power in order to start on a corner. He needs to work on his routes on fly balls and his throwing. He has average arm strength, but his throws are low and lack carry. After the Expos brought in Carl Everett and Juan Rivera in the offseason to fill their outfield holes, Sledge has little opportunity for a regular big league job in 2004. He could win a spot on the bench, and might be a better long-term fit as a fourth outfielder anyway.
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  Ranked Washington Nationals #17 prospect in 2003
  Sledge won the California League batting title in 2000, though his season ended in early August because he strained his right shoulder. A month later, he went to the Expos as a player to be named for Chris Widger. Because of the injury, Sledge spent most of 2001 playing first base before returning to the outfield last year. Despite an unorthodox trigger mechanism in his swing, Sledge has batted .302 in the minors and is the best pure hitter in the system. He has a short stroke and gap power, and he uses the entire field. He has solid speed and is a heady baserunner who projects to steal 20-30 bases a year in the majors. Sledge profiles as a left fielder in the majors, and he may not have the power to be an everyday player at that position. He has good range but his arm never has bounced back from his shoulder injury.
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  Ranked Washington Nationals #22 prospect in 2002
  One of the players to be named in the trade that sent Chris Widger to Seattle in 2000, Sledge won the high Class A California League batting title that year before his season ended in August because he strained his right shoulder. The injury left Sledge at first base for Harrisburg for the majority of 2001. He has an unorthodox trigger mechanism when starting his swing, yet generally gets the job done. He'll have to hit for more power to earn a big league job, however. He's an above average runner and is a threat to steal 30 bases annually in the majors. The Expos are taking every precaution with Sledge's shoulder and hope to have him playing the outfield on a full-time basis in 2002.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked California League #13 prospect in 2000
  A shoulder injury cut short Sledge’s season just before the playoffs but couldn’t deprive him of a batting title in his first full pro season. He has limited baseball experience, not that it showed. He batted third for Lancaster but might make a good leadoff man in the future. "With a decent arm, good speed and range, his baserunning ability and the fact that he can hit both righties and lefties well, he was strong in every category necessary," Parent said. "I'm not a scout, but I would say he has what it takes."

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  A shoulder injury cut short Sledge’s season just before the playoffs but couldn’t deprive him of a batting title in his first full pro season. He has limited baseball experience, not that it showed. He batted third for Lancaster but might make a good leadoff man in the future. "With a decent arm, good speed and range, his baserunning ability and the fact that he can hit both righties and lefties well, he was strong in every category necessary," Parent said. "I'm not a scout, but I would say he has what it takes."