P.J. Phillips Stats & Scouting Report

AB	2157
AVG	.249
OBP	.293
SLG	.379
HR	41

Full name Patrick James Phillips
Born 09/23/1986 in Newport News, VA
Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 170 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Redan
Drafted in the 2nd round (71st overall) by the Los Angeles Angels in 2005 (signed for $505,000).

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The younger brother of Indians infielder Brandon Phillips has little of the flash his brother showed coming up through the minor leagues. His former Redan High teammate--Chris Nelson, the Rockies' first-round pick last year--was more similar to Brandon in temperament and tools than is the lanky P.J. At 6-foot-3 with broad shoulders, Phillips could have trouble staying at shortstop. He's just an average runner (6.9 seconds over 60 yards), and scouts aren't sure if his range will be sufficient as he matures physically and gets stronger. He has a strong arm, registering in the high 80s when he pitches, and is athletic enough to move to an outfield corner if needed. It's his bat that makes him the top prep senior in Georgia. Phillips regularly takes batting practice with wood bats and shows plus power potential, using his long arms to flick the barrel of the bat through the zone quickly. One scout went so far as to compare his bat to that of B.J. Upton, though others called that a stretch. His makeup also is a plus. Phillips knows what pro ball is about thanks to his brother and is quietly confident in his abilities.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Phillips hails from the same suburban Atlanta high school (Redan) as former Angels great Wally Joyner and Rockies prospect Chris Nelson. His sister Porsha plays college basketball at Georgia, and his brother Brandon is the Reds' second baseman. Phillips has as much upside as anyone on this list, but he isn't progressing as quickly as the Angels would like. He finished a frustrating first full season with a 3-for-40 slide that capped a forgettable year in the Midwest League. Phillips will show plus-plus raw power and a smooth swing, but he's still learning how to hit. He has poor strike-zone discipline, which seems to stem from poor pitch recognition, among other things. He needs to sit back and let balls travel deeper. He also has a tendency to lock out his front leg, which causes him to pull off the ball and creates length in swing. He has good hands and a plus arm but doesn't read hops well and needs to improve his footwork. He's a fluid, solid-average runner, but his actions are a little long for a middle infielder. He also isn't finished filling out his long, lean frame, which means a move to third base is forthcoming. He could return to Cedar Rapids to begin 2008 and he remains a long way from being ready for the majors.
Phillips' older brother Brandon emerged as the Reds' second baseman this year, and his younger sister Porsha is a freshman guard at Louisiana State. P.J. signed for $505,000 and remains a high-ceiling, unrefined prospect. Following a solid debut in 2005, Phillips struggled considerably last year. Though he has seen time at shortstop, Phillips fits the third-base profile. He has an easy, quick swing and when he connects, he can drive balls out to all parts of the park. His stroke, while long at times, has outstanding leverage. He has plus arm strength, throws accurately from different angles and displays body control on slow rollers. He's an average runner with long, even strides. Poor pitch recognition keeps Phillips' hitting tools from translating to games consistently. His plan vacillates from at-bat to at-bat, and he needs to improve his focus and attitude in order to overcome his deficiencies. His baserunning and defense are raw. His hands are fine, but he doesn't trust them and must improve his footwork and fielding mechanics. The Angels will have to be patient with Phillips, who can become an everyday player with well-above-average power if he closes the holes in his game presently. He may require more than 2,000 minor league at-bats before he's ready for a major league role. He should get his first full-season assignment in 2007, though there's an outside chance he begins the season in extended spring training.
Phillips received plenty of exposure as a junior when he played on the same high school and summer league teams as Chris Nelson, the eighth overall pick in the 2004 draft by the Rockies. Redan High (Stone Mountain, Ga.) also has produced big leaguers Milt Hill, Wally Joyner, Brandon Phillips (P.J.'s older brother) and Everett Stull. Athleticism runs in the Phillips family, as his sister Porsha is one of the nation's top women's basketball recruits. After signing for $505,000 as a second-round pick last June, he'll have to pack on muscle on his skinny frame to improve his strength and stamina. It's easy to dream on Phillips' tools and projection. He's athletic and his quick hands make him a good defender and a better hitter. His raw power grades as 60 on the 20-80 scouting scale. Balls jump off his bat and his swing has good leverage. His stroke gets long at times, and like many hitters straight out of high school, his pitch recognition and plate discipline are rudimentary. He has a plus arm and adequate range. He profiles more as a third baseman because he figures to add at least 25 pounds as he matures. He'll be an average runner down the line. He has championship-caliber makeup and a strong work ethic. He might require 2,000 or more at-bats in the minors before he's ready for the majors, but the Angels believe he'll be worth the wait. They'll be patient with him and could play him at Orem this year.

Minor League Top Prospects

Like his brother Brandon, Phillips was a second-round pick as a shortstop out of high school in suburban Atlanta. At 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, P.J. is taller and lankier than his brother. He has a lot of the same tools but projects more power because he has a good feel for hitting and the ball jumps off his bat. Phillips' swing is a little long and his bat speed slowed late in the year. His plate discipline also is suspect and he'll have to adapt his approach. Phillips can play almost any position defensively but likely will remain at shortstop. He has smooth actions and good range to go with an average arm. He's an above-average runner.