Jeff Keppinger

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked New York Mets #13 prospect in 2006
  Though he hit .337, it was a rough year for Jeff Keppinger. He broke his left kneecap in mid-June when Charlotte's Felix Martinez took him out on a double play, and he didn't play again in 2005. Shortly afterward, Mets second basemen Miguel Cairo and Kazuo Matsui went down with injuries, and Keppinger would have been promoted if healthy. His replacement at Norfolk, Anderson Hernandez, played better than expected and passed him on the organization depth chart. Keppinger's trademark in the minors has been tremendous bat control. He has batted at least .325 in each of the last three seasons and rarely strikes out. Though he homered twice off Southern California ace Mark Prior in a 2001 College World Series game, Keppinger's contact approach means he'll never hit for much power. His value is derived almost entirely from his batting average. His defense at second is average and he saw some time in 2005 at third base and shortstop, his college position. Keppinger probably will return to Triple-A to begin 2006 with hopes of breaking into the majors as a utilityman, though some scouts believe he could handle an everyday assignment.
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  Ranked New York Mets #12 prospect in 2005
  The younger brother of Billy Keppinger, whom the Royals converted from an outfielder to a pitcher last year, Keppinger has shown the ability to hit for average throughout his pro career. Acquired from the Pirates in the Kris Benson trade, he doesn't blow scouts away with any exceptional tools. But he's able to put the bat on the ball in almost any situation, a skill he continued to show off after his major league promotion. Keppinger's value is almost entirely derived from his batting average, as his contact approach diminishes his power potential and reduces his walks. He homered twice off Mark Prior in a 2001 College World Series game, but has gone deep just seven times in two years after leaving low Class A. He has average speed and defensive ability at second base. He has good body control and decent hands. Keppinger's value to the Mets depends on his ability to add some versatility. He was a shortstop in college, but hasn't played there as a pro. New York wants him to play some shortstop and third base this spring to help him battle for a utility role.