Juan Uribe

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Colorado Rockies #2 prospect in 2001
  Signed as a 16-year-old out of a tryout camp in his native Dominican Republic, Uribe has put together three quality seasons since coming to the United States. He even has shown power in two years at full-season Class A, hitting a total of 22 home runs. Uribe is capable of playing in the big leagues right now defensively. He has a rifle arm that's accurate, soft hands and quick feet. Neifi Perez, the National League's Gold Glove shortstop in 2000, says he expects Uribe to push him to second base before long. Uribe has basestealing speed and showed a better feel for the art last year, getting caught just five times. He has plus power potential for a middle infielder. But he is still young and learning. He needs to have a more consistent approach at the plate, working deeper counts and making more frequent contact. With the Rockies finally showing depth with middle infielders, there's no reason to rush Uribe. He'll make the natural progression to Double-A this year, and could be in the big leagues by the end of the 2002 season.
• 
  Ranked Colorado Rockies #6 prospect in 1999
  Background: Uribe, who was signed out of a Dominican tryout camp, is a product of the Rockies' expanded efforts in Latin America. Rockies shortstop Neifi Perez was so impressed with Uribe's hands, range and arm strength last year in spring training that he said, "There's the reason I'm going to be a second baseman." Strengths: Uribe makes defense look easy. At bat he shows the potential to drive the ball. While he won't be a home run hitter, he should take advantage of gaps for doubles. Weaknesses: Uribe is a tick below average as a runner, but he has the instincts to maximize his ability. He was thrown out only once in nine stolen-base attempts last year. He has to maintain concentration on routine plays, but that's not a glaring concern. The Future: Most likely Uribe will be a part of the Rockies' extended spring training program, providing him a chance to adjust to the American lifestyle. His ability, though, will create a temptation to jump him to Asheville.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Pacific Coast League #5 prospect in 2001
  Neifi Perez said he expected Uribe to push him to second base. Uribe actually pushed him out of Colorado altogether. He played so well in a 13-game audition in Colorado when Perez was hurt early in the season that the organization was comfortable trading the veteran to the Royals. Uribe was called up after the trade and held his own as the starting shortstop. Though he played just three games in Double-A before moving up to the PCL, Uribe showed the flashy defense that has been his calling card. He has a strong, accurate arm and great shortstop actions. He's still hit or miss at the plate, showing power potential but not enough patience. "He has tremendous physical tools, but he also has instinct for the game," Tucson manager Tom Spencer said. "He adjusts quickly, and his ceiling might be higher than Perez'."
• 
  Ranked Carolina League #14 prospect in 2000
  The Rockies discovered Uribe at a Latin America tryout camp when he was 17. It was clear when he signed in 1998 that his powerful arm is certainly his greatest asset. But he’s also a polished fielder who revealed remarkable range on his way to earning all-star honors. "He makes big league defensive plays," Dayett said. Only Potomac shortstop Jason Bowers rivaled Uribe for his ability to snuff out a rally by making a seemingly impossible play look routine. No one came close to matching Uribe’s strong, accurate arm. His defensive prowess has reached such a high level the past two seasons that his offensive game, which includes a little pop and some speed, gets overlooked.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #94 prospect in 2001

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  The Rockies discovered Uribe at a Latin America tryout camp when he was 17. It was clear when he signed in 1998 that his powerful arm is certainly his greatest asset. But he’s also a polished fielder who revealed remarkable range on his way to earning all-star honors. "He makes big league defensive plays," Dayett said. Only Potomac shortstop Jason Bowers rivaled Uribe for his ability to snuff out a rally by making a seemingly impossible play look routine. No one came close to matching Uribe’s strong, accurate arm. His defensive prowess has reached such a high level the past two seasons that his offensive game, which includes a little pop and some speed, gets overlooked.