Eric Farris

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #27 prospect in 2012
  Farris stole 70 bases in 76 tries in high Class A in 2009, but he hasn't run as wild since injuring his right knee in a home-plate collision in April 2010. He earns points for his competitiveness and defensive play, but he has a limited offensive ceiling and doesn't have a clear path to the Brewers. Farris is too aggressive at the plate, especially for a hitter with little power to speak of, which prevents him from getting on base enough to be a true tablesetter. He does make contact and is a good bunter, but he needs to draw more walks. Farris isn't the blazer that 70-steal season might suggest, as he's more of a solid-to-plus runner with excellent instincts. He shows nice range, hands and athleticism at second base, though he lacks the arm strength needed on the left side of the infield, which hurts his potential as a utilityman. Even if he provided more offense, he'd be blocked at second base by Rickie Weeks in Milwaukee. Farris got a one-day callup last July and figures to spent a third straight season in Triple-A.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #9 prospect in 2011
  After Farris hit .298 and stole 70 bases at Brevard County in 2009, the Brewers jumped him all the way to Nashville last year, in part to allow since-traded Brett Lawrie to play in Double-A. Farris hit .288 in April before hurting his right knee in a collision at the plate. He missed two months and his speed and quickness were diminished when he returned, though he did look better in the Arizona Fall League, where he batted .351. Farris put the ball in play with a consistent, easy stroke and then makes things happen on the bases. He's not a blazer, but he has plus speed and excellent instincts on the bases. He doesn't contribute much offensively besides singles and steals, because he doesn't walk a lot and has little power. His skill at bunting enhances his ability to get on base. Farris is a major league-ready defender who committed just four errors in 66 games last year. He has solid range, soft hands and a fringy arm. Milwaukee loves his competitiveness. Some scouts believe Farris projects as a utility player, but the Brewers believe his instincts and drive can put him over the top as an everyday second baseman. They placed him on the 40-man roster in November. The trade of Lawrie to the Blue Jays removed one obstacle, but Rickie Weeks still blocks him in Milwaukee.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #19 prospect in 2010
  Farris became one of the most disruptive baserunners in the minors last season, ranking third in the minors with 70 steals and getting caught just six times. Despite his gaudy steal total, he doesn't have eye-popping speed. He's an above-average runner who excels at reading pitchers and getting good jumps. He doesn't have much power and needs to focus on getting on base, so he'll have to improve his plate discipline after drawing just 29 walks in 2009. He's an adept bunter who led the minors with 26 sacrifices last season. Farris is a quality defender at second base, showing good instincts, nice range, soft hands and a decent arm. In short, he knows how to play the game and gives consistent performances night in and night out. Farris probably will begin 2010 in Double-A, though a good spring might get him a shot at Triple-A. He may be more of a utility player in the long run, but he could start at second base for the Brewers while they wait for Brett Lawrie.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #27 prospect in 2009
  Farris grows on observers the more they watch him. Scouts first noticed him in the Cape Cod League after his sophomore season at Loyola Marymount, and he has been consistently productive wherever he has been. Farris has little pop in his bat and doesn't project to develop much, though he will drive the ball into the gaps on occasion. He excels at making contact but needs to draw more walks to boost his on-base percentage. Once he reaches base, Farris is a threat to steal. He's not a blazing runner but gets good breaks and reads pitchers well. He's very athletic and could probably play shortstop if needed. He has above-average defensive skills at second base, with range both to his left and right, good instincts, sure hands and a strong arm. Farris handles himself well on the field and could profile as a super utility player down the road, a la Chone Figgins--though without that much speed and less pop. For now, the Brewers want to keep Farris at second base and see how he develops.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #23 prospect in 2008
  Farris didn't receive as much attention as Helena teammates such as Matt LaPorta and Caleb Gindl, but the Brewers really liked the way he handled himself at the plate and in the field during his pro debut. A fourth-round pick who signed for $207,000, he earned comparisons to Junior Spivey and Tony Womack by club officials. Scouts saw him perform well in the Cape Cod League, so it didn't surprise them when he easily made the adjustments to wood bats as a first-year pro. Farris doesn't walk or strike out much, preferring to put the ball in play. He hit only one homer at Helena but drives the ball into the gaps on occasion. Though not a blazing runner, he has plus speed, gets good breaks on the bases and swiped 21 bags in 26 attempts. Farris has a strong arm and good instincts in the field. He has good range to both sides, which allowed him to play shortstop at Loyola Marymount without difficulty. He could get some time at shortstop in 2008, and he could reach high Class A before the end of the season.