Drafted in the 1st round (23rd overall) by the Houston Astros in 2006 (signed for $1,400,000).
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Scouts in Florida are split on whether Sapp's catch and throw skills play behind the plate, but his bat should play anywhere. He's big and strong, but his body doesn't exude athleticism and agility. He's barrel-chested and thick, and he elevated his stock considerably this spring when he came out in good shape. He has above-average arm strength and his hands are adequate, but he's not nimble, doesn't block balls well, and rates as a below-average receiver. He struggles with his footwork and exchange on throws to second base. But even those scouts who predict he'll have to move to first base like his bat. He has plus raw power, good plate coverage and a fair approach at the plate. He reduced a high leg kick he uses as a trigger, but still has too much of an uppercut swing. He has made consistent, hard contact in high school and performed well in big games. He has good makeup and has worked to improve defensively. He could become a prolific college power hitter if he winds up at Florida State, but he's expected to sign if he's chosen in the top three rounds. His power potential makes it likely a club will take him in that range.
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Signed for $1.4 million as the 23rd overall pick in the 2006 draft, Sapp held his own as the youngest regular in the short-season New York-Penn League during his pro debut. Drafted for his exceptional offensive potential for a catcher, he enthused the Astros by hitting .337 with 10 doubles last May. But that was his only good month in 2007, as he battled hip and back injuries and hit .207 with just 15 extra-base hits over the rest of the season. Sapp's thick, barrel-chested frame has a big lower half, and his body was a point of contention. He has lost some weight and committed to conditioning, but while he has a good work ethic, it may take an exceptional effort to keep that body in shape. Houston believes in his bat and his power but acknowledges that his value will be reduced drastically if he has to move to first base. He has reduced a high leg kick that he used as a timing mechanism and is willing to take walks, but he'll need to make more consistent contact. He's obviously a liability on the basepaths. Despite a minor shoulder tear in high school (it didn't require surgery), Sapp has a strong arm. He led NY-P catchers by throwing out 42 percent of basestealers in 2006, though his success rate dipped to 28 percent last year. He's not very agile behind the plate and struggles to block pitches in the dirt. The Astros still think he can make catching work and that he can hit if he can get into the best shape possible. He'll repeat low Class A in 2008.
The Astros planned on taking a college pitcher with the No. 23 choice in the 2006 draft, but when all the arms they liked went off the board, they took Sapp. Signed for $1.4 million, he went to short-season Tri-City because 2005 second-rounder Ralph Henriquez needed to repeat Rookie ball. Sapp held his own as the youngest regular in the New-York Penn League before battling elbow tendinitis late in the summer. He went in the first round because of his bat. He has a strong frame and plus power. Reducing a high leg kick that he used as a trigger improved his timing and gives him a better chance to hit for average. He has a good approach for a young player, including a willingness to draw walks. His arm strength is his best defensive tool, and he led NY-P catchers by throwing out 42 percent of basestealers. Some clubs worried that Sapp wouldn't be able to remain behind the plate, but he sold the Astros by promising to commit to it. Thick and barrel-chested, he has lost weight and started doing Pilates to improve his agility. His receiving still needs work, especially on pitches out of the zone. He's a below-average runner. Sapp has enough bat to get the job done at first base, but Houston is confident he'll stay at catcher. He'll move up to low Class A Lexington this year at age 19.
Minor League Top Prospects
Sapp was one of the league's youngest players at 18 and the highest-drafted player from 2006 (23rd overall) to qualify for this list. His youth was evident offensively, but so was the advanced approach that prompted the Astros to push him to the NY-P, rather than their Rookie-level Appalachian League affiliate. While his above-average raw power was muted by more experienced pitchers, he wasn't overwhelmed either. Tri-City finished as the league runner-up in the postseason, and managers regularly cited their defense up the middle as a key to their success. Sapp led the NY-P by throwing out 17 of 25 basestealers (68 percent). His above-average arm strength played well, but concerns about his footwork and fringy receiving skills were borne out by his 11 passed balls, second-most in the league.
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