Claudio Custodio Stats & Scouting Report

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Custodio was part of a prospect-laden Gulf Coast League championship club in 2011, sharing time at shortstop with Jose Rosario. Even though he didn't play every day and had a lower leg injury end his season early, Custodio led the GCL with 46 runs and 26 steals in 39 games. After originally using a false identity (Claudio Baez) and age, Custodio was going to sign with the Royals until they backed out and he inked with the Yankees for $300,000 in April 2010. Custodio stands out for his hitting ability from the right side, as he has quick hands that produce solid bat speed. He still tends to cheat to try to lift balls and hit for power, but he's patient and isn't afraid to draw a walk, and he showed aptitude in flattening out his swing. Custodio has quick-twitch athleticism and above-average speed, as well as the tools and instincts to play shortstop. He was error-prone in 2011 thanks to a scattershot arm, a problem New York considers correctable. One club official compared him to Robert Andino with a better shot to stay at shortstop. Already 21, Custodio could handle the jump to full-season ball in 2012 but the Yankees won't do that at the expense of playing time for Cito Culver and Angelo Gumbs. More likely, Custodio and Rosario will team up again at Staten Island.

Custodio originally signed with the Royals as Claudio Baez, but that deal fell apart when it was discovered he was using a fake name and birthdate. The Yankees landed him for $300,000 in April 2010, and in his first action in the United States, he led the GCL in runs (46) and steals (26 in 28 attempts) while ranking fourth in on-base percentage (.433). Custodio has a solid hitting approach and a line-drive swing. His power is well below average, but he doesn't chase many pitches outside of the strike zone and focuses at getting on base to use his excellent speed. He has good hands, footwork and timing at shortstop, but he has an average arm and is prone to throwing errors, so he might be a better fit at second base.