Corey Hart

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #5 prospect in 2006
  Hart played first and third base prior to 2004, earning the Double-A Southern League's MVP award in 2003. He has spent the last two seasons as an outfielder, and he made his first big league start as a center fielder. Hart's athletic ability lends itself to versatility. He can play five positions, and he ranked third in the system in homers and steals in 2005. The organization's best baserunner also ranks near the top in raw power, as he has good leverage in his swing. He has average range and arm strength on the outfield corners. At his size, Hart inevitably has length to his swing and will have periods where he struggles to make contact. Hart is a below-average defender at third, where his range is limited and his throwing motion has to be adjusted. Hart saw Arizona Fall League time at third base, where he'll have to contend with Bill Hall. Hart could also be a solid corner outfielder, though he's blocked by Geoff Jenkins and Carlos Lee, or a utilityman.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #6 prospect in 2005
  After signing as a first baseman and winning the 2003 Southern League MVP award as a third baseman, Hart spent last season learning to play right field. A slight shoulder injury limited him to one at-bat in his first big league callup in September. With a long wingspan that generates leverage, Hart is capable of generating tremendous raw power and has drawn comparisons to Richie Sexson since his high school days. He drives the ball into the alleys and still hasn't tapped into his full home run potential. Hart displays solid average arm strength suitable for right field, and he also has above-average speed for his size. Hart has a tendency to get long with his swing and is prone to striking out. Because of his long frame and arms, he gets challenged inside regularly, and he needs a shorter stroke to cope. He's also susceptible to breaking stuff, and he could afford to be more patient. The move to the outfield was a good one for Hart. He will start 2005 back in Triple-A but isn't far off from forcing his way into Milwaukee's plans.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #7 prospect in 2004
  Just as they did with Brad Nelson, the Brewers moved Hart to a new position in an effort to break up their logjam of first basemen. He had a difficult adjustment to third base, though the switch didn't harm his offensive production. He was named the Southern League MVP at age 21. With a body that draws comparisons to Richie Sexson, Hart would make a nice big league first baseman. Like Sexson, he makes up for his lanky build with a short, compact stroke that generates good power, particularly in the gaps. Hart has a good arm and runs well for a big guy. Scouts say Hart is no third baseman. Though he continues to work hard on his footwork and overall defense, he committed 32 errors in 119 starts, most on throws because of poor fundamentals. The Brewers decided to shift him to the outfield before spring training. Hart also is a free swinger who doesn't take many walks. Once the Brewers get Hart settled into the proper position, probably right field, his future will become better known. The plan is to move him up to Indianapolis in 2004.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #5 prospect in 2003
  Hart had a breakthrough season in 2002, earning a trip to the Futures Game at Miller Park. He may be a year or two removed from Milwaukee, but he already has a big league nickname. His High Desert teammates last year started calling the laid-back Kentucky native "Hee Haw." There's nothing laid back about Hart's approach at the plate. Already 6-foot-5 and still growing, he's drawing comparisons to Richie Sexson. Though his arms are long, Hart has a quick, compact stroke and is developing the ability to pull his hands in and hit inside pitches with authority, a la Sexson. Power is Hart's calling card. If Hart continues to improve his pitch selection and recognition, he could be a .300 hitter. The Brewers' wealth of first-base prospects grew once they drafted Prince Fielder, so they decided to see if Hart could handle a move to third base. The jury is still out, because his size, somewhat clunky footwork and lack of experience work against him. A move to the outfield is a possibility for Hart, whose best position may still be first base. Look for him to begin 2003 in Double-A, where he'll join J.J. Hardy and David Krynzel to form the nucleus of what could be a championship-caliber team.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #15 prospect in 2002
  Milwaukee officials refer to Hart as a miniature Richie Sexson, which is no small praise in this organization. After all, Sexson tied the franchise record with 45 homers last year and his 125 RBIs fell one short of equaling another. Hart has a similar offensive ceiling, plus the potential to hit for more average, though he also is several steps away from the majors. He had a monster year in his second tour of duty at Ogden and is definitely ready for his shot at Class A this season. Hart runs well enough and has enough athleticism to try the outfield, valuable assets considering the wealth of first basemen in the organization. He has a decent eye at the plate and doesn't strike out excessively, one thing that separates him from Sexson. The Brewers believe Hart has tremendous upside and will move up quickly because of his bat.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Southern League #15 prospect in 2003
  Hart won the league's MVP award with some gaudy numbers. He led the SL in hits, doubles and RBIs, and his long, strong 6-foot-6, 220-pound frame projects to add power as he gets stronger. His organization and size elicit comparisons to Richie Sexson. The fact that Hart might move across the diamond to play Sexson's position is a problem. Hart looks too big to play third, and most managers thought he lacked the instincts and footwork for the position. His arm is also erratic, though he has sufficient range and hands for the hot corner. Hart runs well enough to become a corner outfielder. If he moves off third base, he'll have to turn some of his doubles into homers to have enough power for his new position. He lacks plate discipline and his swing can get long, so he'll need to make adjustments.
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  Ranked California League #15 prospect in 2002
  Hart opened the season as the hottest hitter in the circuit, batting .333 with 15 home runs in the first two months. Following a trip to the Futures Game in Milwaukee, Hart joined Hendrickson, Hardy and Krynzel in Huntsville. After spending most of his career at first base, the wiry-strong Hart shifted across the diamond to third. Because of his long arms and legs, it wasn't an easy transition, and some scouts project him as more of a corner outfielder down the road. At the plate is where Hart will make his money. While Hart took advantage of Mavericks Stadium, when he gets his arms extended he'll hit the ball out anywhere in any park. There are some holes to his swing, a given for a 6-foot-6 player, but his quick hands help him get to the ball and he keeps his stroke surprisingly compact. He still needs to work on recognizing breaking pitchers.
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  Ranked Pioneer League #19 prospect in 2001
  Hart attracted favorable comparisons with Brewers first baseman Richie Sexson from three of the Pioneer League's managers. After hitting .287-2-30 in the Pioneer League last year, Hart tied for third in RBIs and ranked seventh in batting average. Hart possesses good bat speed and budding power. At 6-foot-6, he has long arms that can create holes in his swing when his mechanics falter, thereby making him susceptible to breaking balls. Nevertheless, his hands work well in his swing, and everyone agreed that he’ll start driving the ball consistently once he learns to shorten his stroke. He provides a big target at first base and showed above-average athleticism on defense. "He's made some big strides since last year," Idaho Falls manager Jake Molina said. "He was a sheltered hitter in a good offensive lineup last season. This year he is driving the ball and hitting 50 points higher. He's definitely headed in the right direction."

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #91 prospect in 2003

• December, 2000 Scouting Report
  Hart attracted favorable comparisons with Brewers first baseman Richie Sexson from three of the Pioneer League's managers. After hitting .287-2-30 in the Pioneer League last year, Hart tied for third in RBIs and ranked seventh in batting average. Hart possesses good bat speed and budding power. At 6-foot-6, he has long arms that can create holes in his swing when his mechanics falter, thereby making him susceptible to breaking balls. Nevertheless, his hands work well in his swing, and everyone agreed that he’ll start driving the ball consistently once he learns to shorten his stroke. He provides a big target at first base and showed above-average athleticism on defense. "He's made some big strides since last year," Idaho Falls manager Jake Molina said. "He was a sheltered hitter in a good offensive lineup last season. This year he is driving the ball and hitting 50 points higher. He's definitely headed in the right direction."