Jermaine Mitchell

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Oakland Athletics #5 prospect in 2012
  Mitchell hit .362 and stole 14 bases in 37 games at short-season Vancouver in his 2006 pro debut, but he rarely played like that again during the next four years. He began figuring things out in 2010 before exploding last year, when he batted .332/.430/.530, ranking fifth in the minors in on-base percentage and earning a spot on Oakland's 40- man roster. He credits Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, now an A's roving instructor, for helping him relax and understand the leadoff man's role. Mitchell has always had electric tools, highlighted by his plus-plus speed. He has a discerning eye at the plate and a short, quick swing. While he won't hit many home runs, he produces line drives to all fields. He has become more confident looking for pitches to drive rather than just trying to make contact. Mitchell still is learning to maximize his speed on the bases. He covers plenty of ground in center field and has an average, accurate arm. After playing through a sore knee all year, Mitchell had offseason surgery to repair a torn meniscus. The six-month rehab may keep him out of spring training, where he would have competed for an outfield job in Oakland. It's only expected to be a short-term setback, however, and he should make his big league debut in 2012.
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  Ranked Oakland Athletics #8 prospect in 2008
  After spending two years at Texarkana (Texas) JC, Mitchell transferred to UNC Greensboro as a junior and the A's signed him for $155,000 as a fifth-round pick. He broke a bone in his right foot during his pro debut, but returned last year to turn in a solid season in low Class A. The fastest runner in the system, Mitchell has 70 speed on the 20-80 scouting scale. He uses a level stroke and controls the strike zone well. He has good pop for a speedster. Defensively, he covers a lot of ground in center field. Mitchell gets too aggressive and sells out his approach for power at times, leading to a longer swing and more strikeouts. Pitch recognition, especially with quality breaking balls, is an area of concern. He's still raw with his reads and jumps on the bases and in center field. His arm strength is below-average and his throws need to be more accurate. Though his athleticism is his bread and butter, he could lose that edge if he doesn't keep himself in better shape. Mitchell's performance needs to catch up to his natural ability. He's already 23 yet will open 2008 in high Class A. He has upside as an everyday center fielder but could wind up as a fourth outfielder.
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  Ranked Oakland Athletics #5 prospect in 2007
  Mitchell spent two years at Texarkana (Texas) Junior College before transferring to UNC Greensboro as a junior. A's area scout Neil Avent, a former UNCG assistant coach, stayed on Mitchell and the A's cross-checked him in the Southern Conference tournament. They popped Mitchell in the fifth round, signed him for $155,000 then watched him sizzle in his pro debut until he broke a bone in his right foot. Only injury slows Mitchell, who's the system's fastest runner with 70 speed on the 20-80 scouting scale. Unlike many speedsters, he's no slap hitter. He has powerful legs and a strong frame. He has the plate discipline to wait on his pitch and the swing plane to drive the ball to all fields. Mitchell's throwing arm is below-average but playable in center. He'll need experience and at-bats to adjust against better breaking balls, to translate his raw power into home runs and to hone his baserunning instincts. Mitchell could be a star if it all comes together, and his toolsy package makes him look like a fiffh-round steal. He should join Larry Cobb and Matt Sulentic in a dynamic Kane County outfield to start 2007.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Northwest League #10 prospect in 2006
  Mitchell's fine debut was interrupted when he was hit by a pitch and broke a bone in his right foot, but he returned to action late in the season. When healthy, he showed off prototype center-field and top-of-the-order tools. One of the best athletes in the league, he's a 65 runner on the 20-80 scouting scale and knows how to use his speed in all facets of the game. "He's a very good, complete athlete, and he could be an everyday center fielder," Salem-Keizer manager Steve Decker said. "He has a good two-strike approach, good instincts on the bases, he's aggressive, cocky--everything you're looking for. And there's no question his bat is going to be there." Mitchell does a good job putting the ball in play, either by spraying line drives around the field or putting the ball on the ground and using his speed to get aboard. He has a strong frame and could translate his gap power into 10-15 homers annually if he learns to stay back and drive the ball more. He's an above-average defender in center with incredible first-step quickness and an average arm.

• December, 2011 Scouting Report
  Background: Mitchell hit .362 and stole 14 bases in 37 games at short-season Vancouver in his 2006 pro debut, but he rarely played like that again during the next four years. He began figuring things out in 2010 before exploding last year, when he batted .332/.430/.530, ranking fifth in the minors in on-base percentage and earning a spot on Oakland's 40-man roster. He credits Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson for helping him relax and understand the leadoff man's role.Scouting Report: Mitchell has always had electric tools, highlighted by his plus-plus speed. He has a discerning eye at the plate and a short, quick swing. While he won't hit many home runs, he produces line drives to all fields. He has become more confident looking for pitches to drive rather than just trying to make contact. Mitchell still is learning to maximize his speed on the bases. He covers plenty of ground in center field and has an average, accurate arm. The Future: After playing through a sore knee all year, Mitchell had offseason surgery to repair a torn meniscus. The six-month rehab may keep him out of spring training, where he would have competed for an outfield job in Oakland. It's only expected to be a short-term setback, however, and he should make his big league debut in 2012.