Yorvit Torrealba

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked San Francisco Giants #24 prospect in 2001
  After six seasons in the organization, Torrealba has seen plenty of other catchers come and go. He outlasted Marcus Jensen and was once passed by Sammy Serrano, but Torrealba almost moved to the top of the backstop list after arm injuries to Giuseppe Chiaramonte and Serrano. Serrano's arm problems have the Giants worried about whether he can remain behind the plate. Torrealba threw out 33 percent of basestealers at Shreveport and had his best offensive season last year. He never will be a power hitter because he uses an inside-out swing. The Giants like his ability as a situational hitter and hit-and-run man, but see him first and foremost as a catch-and-throw defender who'll be adequate at best offensively. His presence, along with Chiaramonte and big leaguers Bobby Estalella and Doug Mirabelli, may prompt the organization to move strong-armed catcher Guillermo Rodriguez to the mound. Torrealba may have to duel Chiramonte for playing time in Triple-A this season.