- Full name Roberto Vaz
- Born
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
Vaz had a sterling college career, starting as the MVP of the 1996 Junior College World Series. He helped Alabama to the 1997 College World Series as a center fielder/closer. Strictly a left fielder as a pro, Vaz has hit at every level and his bat is his best tool. He sprays line drives from foul pole to foul pole and has decent speed, especially when he keeps his weight down. He hasn't shown the power to play a corner outfield spot, though, and doesn't have the range to play center. He has had injury problems, from a broken foot that kept him out of the lineup in the 1997 CWS to a shoulder injury in the 2000 Pacific Coast League playoffs that necessitated offseason surgery. He hit two home runs to lead Vancouver to the Triple-A World Series crown in 1999 and maintained that momentum with a solid 2000. A's officials are confident Vaz will be healthy by spring training, and he may challenge for a reserve outfield job, with Eric Byrnes as his main competition. Vaz has an advantage as a contact hitter and a lefty bat off the bench, but Byrnes can play all three outfield positions and provides more speed on the bases.
