Chris Pettit

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #16 prospect in 2010
  Pettit has provided incredible value as a 19th-round senior sign, as long as he's been healthy. After winning the organization's minor league player of the year award in 2007, he broke his foot while chasing a fly ball on Opening Day in 2008 and struggled when he returned. He redeemed himself with a strong showing in the Arizona Fall League and an impressive Triple-A debut in 2009--until he broke his left wrist and required surgery. Pettit placed sixth in the Pacific Coast League batting race last season with a .321 average, and his feel for hitting stands as his only plus tool. He lines the ball into both gaps, showing quality bat speed and enough strength to pop 10-12 home runs per year. He's not a masher though, and leaves himself open to breaking stuff away when he gets pull-happy. Pettit always has handled lefties, batting .341/.404/.554 against them over 327 plate appearances in full-season leagues. He plays all three outfield spots but is best suited to a corner. He takes good routes, makes all the routine plays and has a solid-average arm. Despite his thick build, he's an average runner who can steal a base. Pettit will vie with Gary Matthews Jr. and Reggie Willits for playing time as an extra outfielder in Los Angeles this year, and that's the role for which he seems best suited.
• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #17 prospect in 2009
  Pettit went from a college senior drafted in the 19th round in 2006 to the Angels' minor league player of the year in 2007. But all the momentum he generated crashed to a halt when he broke his right foot chasing a fly ball on Opening Day. He missed nearly three months and once he returned, he didn't look like the same player who entered the year with a career .330 batting average in pro ball. He has been likened to a poor man's Jason Bay, though probably more of a fourth outfielder than a regular on a contender. Pettit doesn't have a plus tool except for his bat but he doesn't have a glaring weakness, either. He works counts well and has some pull power, though he tends to turn on more pitches than he should. He projects to hit for a solid average with perhaps 10-15 homers per season. Pettit's speed is fringy, though he has the instincts to steal some bases. Likewise, while his range is short for center field, he can handle the position in a pinch and throws well enough to play right field. Pettit's determination allows him to get the most out of his tools. He got back on track by hitting .359 in the Arizona Fall League, and he could push for a quick promotion if he has a hot start in Double-A in 2009.
• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #19 prospect in 2008
  Just one year removed from signing as a senior in the 19th round out of Loyola Marymount, Pettit enjoyed one of the minors' most surprising seasons in 2007, which earned him the organization's minor league player of the year award. He brings a gritty, gamer attitude to the park every day, with makeup that's off the charts. Comparisons range from Eric Byrnes to a poor man's Jason Bay. Pettit doesn't have a plus tool, but he does everything well. He has tremendous plate discipline and works counts in every at-bat. He has enough bat speed to drive balls out of the park in left and left-center field and could hit 10-14 home runs annually in the big leagues. He tends to work around the ball instead of through it, making him vulnerable to pitches away, and he's primarily a pull hitter. He's a fringe-average runner who doesn't cover enough ground to profile as an everyday center fielder, but he can handle all three outfield positions in a utility role. He did not make an error in 123 chances in high Class A last season, and his arm is average and accurate. Pettit put himself on the map last season, and he'll have a chance to climb to Double-A by midseason.