Francisco Esparragoza

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Arizona Complex League #10 prospect in 2001
  Esparragoza's hitting skills are suspect. In three years as a pro, he has batted .248 with three homers in 448 at-bats. But managers loved his skills behind the plate. There was no doubt that Esparragoza was the league's best defensive catcher. He threw out 41 percent of basestealers, trailing only Francisco D'Jesus of the Giants (74 percent). "He's a cat behind the plate," Munoz said. "He has a quick release and blocks every ball. He's always in a game and really takes charge of a pitching staff."