Erick Almonte
| AB | 133 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .233 |
| OBP | .282 |
| SLG | .331 |
| HR | 2 |
- Full name Erick R. Almonte
- Born 02/01/1978 in Santo Domingo Centro, Dominican Republic
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 245 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- Debut 09/04/2001
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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The Yankees have compared Almonte to Derek Jeter, and his frustration at being stuck behind the perennial all-star has been evident. In 2002, Almonte demanded a trade after being demoted to Double-A. His big opportunity came last year on Opening Day when Jeter separated his shoulder. Almonte held his own as Jeter's replacement, homering in his first game, but his shortcomings were exposed. He struggles to recognize and lay off breaking stuff, and he swings and misses too often. His raw power never quite has translated to games. Defensively, Almonte's best attribute is a plus arm. But he has gotten thicker in his lower half and isn't the athlete he once was. He needs to get in better shape and is now a below-average runner. A knee injury in May kept Almonte on the shelf for more than a month, and he was sidelined briefly in September with a calf strain. He recovered in time to earn a spot on the League Championship Series roster, though he garnered no playing time. Designated for assignment after the Yankees' winter spending spree, he could be traded before spring training. He can't play shortstop every day, but his versatility and offensive potential as a utility infielder could help a team. -
Almonte's brother Hector reached the majors with the Marlins in 1999 and has spent the last two years in Japan. Erick has drawn comparisons to Derek Jeter with the raw tools to boot, but he might have to settle for a role as Jeter's backup. Almonte took a step backward after a dismal start in Triple-A. One of the best pure athletes in the system, he has frustrated the Yankees with his lack of progress. Columbus manager Stump Merrill got fed up with Almonte, who reportedly demanded a trade before he was demoted to Norwich. What's more aggravating about Almonte's season was that he had a tremendous showing in spring training. He did manage to hit a career-high 17 home runs, but he hasn't adjusted to the Yankees' plate-discipline philosophies, and pitch recognition is an issue with his long swing. Almonte, who also had a poor performance in the Dominican League in the offseason, might need a change of scenery. With his athleticism and strength, someone will give him a shot, possibly as a utilityman in the mold of Hiram Bocachica. -
Almonte is a chiseled athlete who has added 20 pounds of muscle since signing as a wiry third baseman in 1996. After breaking in as the Gulf Coast League's No. 4 prospect in 1998, he stalled until blossoming in the Arizona Fall League in 2000. He made his major league debut last September and singled in his first at-bat. The Yankees rave about Almonte's combination of size and tools, which are similar to Derek Jeter's. He hits for power, and his bat speed and strength suggest more could be on the way. He displays deft actions at shortstop and gets good carry from a cannon arm and quick release. Almonte struggles with breaking stuff and gets off-balance by lunging at pitches. He has toned down his swing, however. He has the tools to be a solid defender but makes careless errors. Shortstop could be a dead end, but the athleticism and versatility of Almonte and Alfonso Soriano give the Yankees options. Almonte could handle a move to second base or the outfield. -
Baseball America ranked Almonte as the No. 4 prospect in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in 1997, but his progress stalled over the next two years. He came on in 2000, batting .297 during the final three months of the season and opening eyes in the Arizona Fall League, where he ranked among the leaders in all three triple-crown categories and batted .301-4-21. Built along the lines of Derek Jeter, Almonte is an impressive athlete. He can run, throw and hit for power. The Yankees always had faith in him, and he finally responded as he matured. Like many young shortstops, Almonte alternates between making spectacular defensive plays and botching routine ones. He's also a free swinger who needs to gain better control of the strike zone. Unfortunately for Almonte, he's in an organization loaded with quality shortstops, starting with Jeter. Almonte is ready for Triple-A, where it might be time for him to try another position, especially if Soriano or Jimenez returns there. He spent most of his time in the AFL playing second base.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Like Alfonso Soriano, Almonte is another free-swinging shortstop prospect who'll have to find a new position when and if he cracks the Yankees lineup. He resembles Derek Jeter physically but isn't about to take his job. "I think he's got an upside, maybe 20 homers in the big leagues," Evers said. "Defensively, if he grows out of shortstop he has enough power to play third. He has instincts on how to play and a pretty good arm. I'd say his arm is above average, plus he has good first-step quickness." Almonte has the ability to dazzle scouts one night and disappoint the next. He led IL shortstops with 27 errors and struck out too much, yet he also draws walks and is so athletic. It's conceivable that Soriano eventually could move to the outfield, with Almonte taking over at second base.
