Angel Pagan

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked New York Mets #23 prospect in 2005
  Pagan's climb hasn't gone nearly as quickly as he can get around the bases, but he showed consistency in 2004 after lacking it in previous seasons. He has a nice mix of tools, with above-average speed, an average arm and the ability to hit for average. He has stolen more than 30 bases in each of the past four seasons, and he showed a better feel for getting jumps and picking his spots last year. His 85 percent success rate was the highest of his career. At the plate, Pagan has developed gap power, so he's no longer just a bunt-and-slap hitter. He still doesn't control the strike zone like a top-of-the-order hitter should, however. In the outfield, Pagan has the speed and range to handle center field, and his strong, accurate arm allows him to fill in as a right fielder. His versatility could help him earn a role as a fourth outfielder in the majors, though he'll head to Triple-A this spring to add further polish first.
• 
  Ranked New York Mets #19 prospect in 2003
  Though Pagan's body is less than impressive, his tools are unmistakable. As a center fielder, he shows excellent range, good reactions and a strong, accurate arm. His plus speed allowed him to steal 62 bases, which ranked fifth in the minors and first in the system last year. Possessing minimal power, Pagan makes consistent contact at the plate as a slap-and-run hitter who has attracted comparisons to Luis Castillo. In order for Pagan to become a big leaguer, he must develop more of a leadoff mentality. The Mets stressed the importance of on-base percentage to him, but his walk rate only declined. He's a free swinger who gets himself out as often as the pitchers do. A full season in high Class A, where he was spectacular last August, is next on Pagan's agenda.
• 
  Ranked New York Mets #23 prospect in 2002
  Pagan showed some tremendous promise in his first full year as a pro. A fourth-round pick in 1999 who signed as a draft-and-follow a week prior to the 2000 draft, Pagan had his debut season limited by a forearm injury after 19 games at Kingsport. He opened last year in extended spring training before getting a brief taste of the South Atlantic League and then reporting to short-season Brooklyn. He tied for the New York-Penn League lead in stolen bases and ranked eighth in batting. Pagan is a speed-oriented player who puts constant pressure on the defense with his ability to drop down a bunt or drive the ball in the gaps. His defensive skills are outstanding in center field, and his arm rates slightly above average. The Mets believe Pagan could develop power from both sides of the plate, though he has yet to hit a home run in 367 pro at-bats. He needs to add strength to his upper body, become more patient at the plate and make more solid contact instead of slapping at every pitch. Nevertheless, Pagan is a top-of-the-order hitter who should be the starting center fielder at Capital City in 2002.
• 
  Ranked New York Mets #29 prospect in 2001
  Pagan was the highest-selected draft-and-follow to sign from the 1999 draft. His performance in junior college was uninspiring, and he played just 19 games before going on the disabled list in mid-July with a wrist injury. Before his season ended, he impressed managers with a well-rounded package of tools. Pagan has projectable power and runs well, though he's raw on the bases. He also showed good range in center field and a strong arm. Pagan will face his first full pro season this year, so he may want to check with Prentice Redman about the rigors of a long campaign.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked New York-Penn League #14 prospect in 2001
  Pagan was a highly coveted draft-and-follow sign last summer out of Indian River (Fla.) CC, but his debut season was cut short by a forearm injury. He started 2001 in extended spring training, and joined the NY-P late because Class A Capital City needed an emergency center fielder. Once he joined Brooklyn, Pagan batted .315 and tied for the league lead in steals. He has an exciting combination of raw tools including well above-average speed and defensive skills. Scouts project power from the switch-hitter, though he has yet to homer in 367 pro at-bats. "He has great wheels," Rupp said. "He looks like a guy you'd love to have at the top of the order. He slaps the ball around and forces the first and third baseman to play in because he can bunt. He'll steal second and third before you know it."
• 
  Ranked National League #14 prospect in 2000
  Pagan signed as a draft-and-follow this spring after an uninspiring juco season. He wound up playing just 19 games before going on the disabled list in mid-July, but impressed managers with a well-rounded package of tools. He can hit with projectable power and he runs well, though he's raw on the bases. He also showed good range in center field and a strong arm. "He can go get it," Alfonzo said. "He's got good range. He can go in, go back, go side to side. And he's got a strong arm."

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Pagan signed as a draft-and-follow this spring after an uninspiring juco season. He wound up playing just 19 games before going on the disabled list in mid-July, but impressed managers with a well-rounded package of tools. He can hit with projectable power and he runs well, though he's raw on the bases. He also showed good range in center field and a strong arm. "He can go get it," Alfonzo said. "He's got good range. He can go in, go back, go side to side. And he's got a strong arm."