Johnny Raburn

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #21 prospect in 2003
  The Angels sent Raburn to the Brewers in the Alex Ochoa trade because, well, they already had a David Eckstein. Raburn is taller than the Anaheim sparkplug but is a scrappy overachiever out of the same mold. His brother Ryan is a promising third baseman in the Tigers system. Though Johnny has virtually no power, he takes his walks, gets on base and is a threat to steal. His defense is ordinary. His quickness gives him good range, and he has an average if erratic arm. His arm has average strength, but is a bit erratic. Raburn played second base, shortstop, third base and the outfield in 2002. That versatility helps him project as a utilityman.
• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #26 prospect in 2002
  Raburn's brother Ryan was drafted in the fifth round last June by the Tigers and had a banner pro debut. Johnny doesn't possess the pop of his younger sibling, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have tools. In the midst of an all-star season in the low Class A Midwest League last year, he broke his arm sliding into second base in June. He'll never hit for power and needs to bulk up his wiry body. But he demonstrates a keen eye at the plate and has a knack for putting the ball in play on the ground. He's a quick and intelligent baserunner. A three-year starter at shortstop at South Florida, Raburn made the transition to second base last year. He's erratic in the field with a fringe average arm, though he does have solid instincts and quick feet. With a profile resembling David Eckstein's, Raburn's future could be as a utilityman. He had fully recovered by instructional league and should start 2002 in high Class A.