Ozzie Chavez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #14 prospect in 2003
  For a skinny 19-year-old in low Class A, Chavez fared about as well as could be expected in 2002. Signed out of the Dominican by longtime scout Eppy Guerrero and named Ozzie Smith Chavez in honor of the Hall of Fame shortstop, Chavez showed flashes of potential but will need to improve his offense to move up the ladder. His .323 on-base percentage wasn't impressive, but he worked to improve his strike-zone judgment and his 46 walks led Beloit. Though he made 29 errors, scouts were impressed by his smooth motions and soft hands at shortstop. With experience and better infields, he'll likely play tighter defense. Chavez is still learning how to bunt and to use his speed on the bases. The basic tools are there. With time, the Brewers hope Chavez will physically mature and refine his game. He hasn't set the world on fire yet, but his potential bears watching. He'll probably move up to high Class A this year.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #20 prospect in 2002
  His parents must have known something when they named their child Ozzie Smith Chavez. That's a high standard to shoot for, but the Brewers believe the sky's the limit for the slightly built shortstop. Chavez has outstanding tools and natural shortstop actions, including soft hands and good range in the field. Though he has yet to fill out, the ball jumped off his bat when he made his U.S. debut in the Rookie-level Arizona League last year. As he moves to higher levels, he'll need to tighten his strike zone and learn how to use his speed better on the basepaths. Like most young shortstops, he also must get more consistent in the field. Noted scout Epy Guerrero has signed some spiffy infielders out of the Dominican, and Chavez appears to be another one to add to his list. He'll get the chance to jump to full-season ball at Beloit with a good spring.