Ben Harrison Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Benjamin Andrae Harrison
Born 09/18/1981 in Key West, FL
Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 203 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Florida
Drafted in the 7th round (201st overall) by the Texas Rangers in 2004 (signed for $27,500).

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Florida OF Ben Harrison is a solid senior sign, but scouts seemed to like him less as the years went on. Harrison, an unsigned fourth-round pick a year ago, works out too much and begins each season too stiff, then shows better bat speed and a looser, stronger throwing arm as the year goes on. He has performed well, hitting .363-14-54 this spring for Florida, and has some tools, though some scouts question his passion for the game.

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A high school teammate of Khalil Greene at Key West High, Harrison has always had good tools, and he finished his four-year college career with 40 homers and 192 RBIs--both good for second all-time in Florida history. His problem as a pro has been staying on the field. Hamstring and vision problems limited him in 2005, and he went down 12 games after a promotion to high Class A with a broken hand. Harrison stayed healthy throughout the 2006 regular season, easily setting career highs with 26 homers and 101 RBIs, but he separated a shoulder trying to make a play in the outfield in the Venezuelan Winter League. He had surgery and should be 100 percent for spring training. An outstanding fastball hitter who can also punish hanging breaking balls, Harrison stands out most for his above-average power. He struggles against quality breaking balls, but his pitch recognition and plate discipline are improving. He plays the game hard and emerged as a clubhouse leader in Bakersfield. Defensively, Harrison has a strong enough arm for right field, but his fringy speed and range probably ticket him for left. He has a chance to be a fourth outfielder in the majors, and maybe even a regular corner outfielder. He should start the year in Triple-A.

Harrison always has had tools, but his problem the last few years had been staying on the field. Hamstring and vision problems limited him in 2005, and his season was cut short by a broken hand just 12 games after a promotion to Bakersfield. But he stayed healthy throughout 2006 and finally showed what he was capable of, both in the Cal League and after a promotion to Double-A. An outstanding fastball hitter who can also punish hanging breaking balls, Harrison's best tool is his above-average power. He struggles against quality breaking stuff, but his pitch recognition and plate discipline are improving. Defensively, Harrison has a strong enough arm for right field and fringy range, probably ticketing him for left field. He was old for the Cal League and still needs to learn the strike zone a little better, but he has a chance to be a regular corner outfielder in the majors. He plays the game hard and emerged as a clubhouse leader for the Blaze.