Adam Rosales

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #29 prospect in 2009
  Rosales starred but went undrafted out of high school or as a junior at Western Michigan. After an outstanding senior season, scout Rick Sellers persuaded Cincinnati to take him as an inexpensive senior sign. The knock on Rosales was that he had an aluminum-bat swing, but he has performed well enough with wood to join Jay Bruce as the only members of the Reds' 2005 draft to make it to the big leagues. Rosales' swing can get loopy, but he has hit for average with adequate power. He doesn't profile as a platoon player, but he should be a good utilityman. Rosales can play all four infield positions and the outfield corners if needed, though he doesn't have the range to be an everyday shortstop. His best position is third base, where his slightly above-average arm displays good accuracy and he gets to show off his soft hands. He's a below-average runner. Rosales will head to spring training with a chance to stick with Cincinnati as a backup.
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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #22 prospect in 2008
  Don't be misled by the fact that Rosales spent most of the 2007 season playing first base. It was a temporary move to rest his sore throwing elbow. He had another good year at the plate and was able to return to third base full-time in the Arizona Fall League. That's good news because his righthanded bat doesn't profile nearly as well at first base. Area scout Rick Sellers sold the Reds on Rosales when he was a senior at Western Michigan. His swing isn't particularly pretty with a downward cut to it, but it's relatively quick and his discerning batting eye helps him to work into counts where he can get pitches to drive. A shortstop during his first two pro season, Rosales has just average speed and his lack of range forced a move. He has enough lateral quickness to stick at third base. When healthy, his arm is one of his best tools, as it's above-average with good accuracy. Rosales profiles more as an offensive-minded utilityman but has exceeded expectations ever since he signed. It's not out of the question that he could develop into a regular third baseman.
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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #15 prospect in 2006
  Rosales was the Reds' first-day find of the 2005 draft. Area scout Rick Sellers was adamant that the Western Michigan senior was being sold short, and Cincinnati was able to take Rosales in the 12th round. Rosales made Sellers look wise, batting .325 with 14 homers and a system-best .946 on-base plus slugging percentage in his pro debut after hitting .309 with six homers as a college senior. Some area scouts questioned whether Rosales would hit with wood bats, but he showed the ability to center the ball and hit for power. He has solid bat speed and his swing is compact, but it isn't pretty. He swings on a downward plane, yet is able to loft the ball when needed. He also has average speed and plus arm strength. Rosales' range at shortstop could be a question as he gets older and bigger, but he has good hands and currently covers enough ground. He far exceeded expectations in his first pro year, which should earn him a promotion to high Class A.