Jose Duarte Stats & Scouting Report

AB	3360
AVG	.263
OBP	.344
SLG	.358
HR	33

Full name Jose Armando Duarte
Born 03/07/1985 in Santa Lucia Edo Miranda, Venezuela
Profile Ht.: 5'10" / Wt.: 165 / Bats: R / Throws: R

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Duarte stole more than 30 bases for the second consecutive season and turned in his most consistent season at the plate as a professional, earning recognition from the organization as the top position player on the Wilmington squad. Duarte has a quick bat and a good path to the ball but needs to improve his plate discipline and pitch recognition. Thin and lanky with a physique that draws comparisons to Doug Glanville, Duarte is still developing physically and does not project to hit for much power. He has above-average speed, though not considered a burner, and is an advanced basestealer. His speed translates best in center field, where he has above-average range and is an instinctive defender who gets jumps and reads on balls. Duarte ranks as the best defensive outfielder and has the best outfield arm in the system, and is advanced enough to fill the position in Kansas City. Duarte's future depends on his development at the plate. He'll begin next season in Double-A.
With five tools that all rate at least average, Duarte stands at the front of a nice collection of young Latin outfielders (Alvi Morel, O.D. Gonzalez) who debuted in the Arizona League in 2005 and shared time with Joe Dickerson. Duarte looks young but his skills are advanced. He needed only one year at the Royals' Dominican academy before his game and his English were ready for a U.S. league. Royals instructors say they can tell when Duarte takes batting practice because the ball sounds different coming off his bat. He has big power but his swing tends to get long, especially when he's expecting a fastball in an advantageous count, but he has plenty of time to work that out. Duarte played mostly left field in 2005, but rates as an above-average defender with the arm to play right field and the speed to play center. That versatility will serve him well as he plays multiple outfield positions in Idaho Falls this year.