Aaron Rifkin
| AB | 1684 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .27 |
| OBP | .343 |
| SLG | .448 |
| HR | 55 |
- Full name Aaron Kristopher Rifkin
- Born 03/12/1979 in Apple Valley, CA
- Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 220 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- School Cal State Fullerton
- Drafted in the 4th round (125th overall) by the New York Yankees in 2001.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Rifkin was the fourth of eight college seniors drafted in the first 10 rounds by the Yankees last June. The Diamondbacks took him in the 54th round out of high school in 1997, but he opted for NCAA Division III Chapman (Calif.) before transferring to Cal State Fullerton. Rifkin went undrafted after hitting .322-8-27 in his junior season, and batted .300-16-60 as a senior. Many draft experts were surprised to see Rifkin go in the top 10 rounds last year, but he went on to win the MVP in the New York-Penn League. Rifkin has a picturesque swing, and he attracted the Yankees with his advanced hitting approach. He has good plate coverage, uses the whole field and attacks pitches in his zone. Despite his large frame, Rifkin is a polished defensive first baseman. At 23, Rifkin could afford to skip a level and jump to high Class A. The Yankees believe they may have uncovered a sleeper.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Rifkin exceeded expectations as a senior drafted in the fourth round after a lackluster spring at Cal State Fullerton. He finished second in the league with a .559 slugging percentage, and Newman called him a pleasant surprise. Though he was more experienced than the average NY-P prospect, managers believe Rifkin's ability to use the whole field will help him climb the ladder. He has a pretty lefthanded stroke. "He can pull the ball with power, which would be good in Yankee Stadium," Saul said. "He also showed the ability to go the other way. He has good plate coverage."
