Cory Sullivan
| AB | 1127 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .271 |
| OBP | .327 |
| SLG | .381 |
| HR | 10 |
- Full name Cory Sullivan
- Born 08/20/1979 in Tulsa, OK
- Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- School Wake Forest
- Debut 04/04/2005
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Drafted in the 7th round (214th overall) by the Colorado Rockies in 2001.
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OF/LHP Cory Sullivan was the most valuable player in the Atlantic Coast Conference this season, starring as both a hitter and pitcher, though Florida State's John-Ford Griffin won player-of-the-year honors. Scouts like him more as an outfielder and compare him to Diamondbacks outfielder Steve Finley before he developed power
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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After leading the South Atlantic League in runs and doubles in 2002, and the Texas League in hits after skipping a level in 2003, Sullivan appeared to be on the fast track to the big leagues. He had an outside chance to make the big league roster last year before doctors discovered he had torn his left labrum, ending his season in spring training. He made his comeback in the Arizona Fall League, where he showed the expected signs of rust. Sullivan could force his way into Colorado's uncertain outfield situation this year, but he would benefit from opening the year in Triple-A to make up for lost at-bats. While he doesn't have an off-the-chart tool, he's a fundamentally sound player. He has leadoff-hitter speed, true center-field defensive ability and a plus arm. Sullivan has a line-drive approach and gap power, but he needs to draw more walks and improve his basestealing efficiency. He doesn't make mental mistakes, another reason the Rockies envision him fitting into their future plans. -
Sullivan has handled the challenges of going directly from Wake Forest, where he was a two-way star and earned a degree in psychology, to full-season baseball. He led the Texas League in hits in 2003. He doesn't have a particularly eye-opening skill, but is a very capable center fielder with leadoff skills. He handles the bat and runs well, and he has a good understanding of situational baseball. He uses a line-drive approach and has good speed. Offensively, he needs to draw more walks and refine his basestealing ability. He gets excellent breaks on balls in the outfield and has an above-average arm for center. Sullivan has an innate feel for the game and doesn't make mental mistakes. He'll go to Triple-A in 2004 with the expectation he'll be at least a fourth outfielder in the big leagues by the following year. -
With his uncanny knowledge of how to play the game enhancing his tools, Sullivan has Mark Kotsay potential. After starring as a two-way player at Wake Forest, he reported to full-season Class A and has put up solid stats for two years. There's nothing spectacular about Sullivan, but he has solid tools across the board. He's a spray hitter with doubles power. Adding lift to his swing could produce more homers. He makes consistent contact but could use some more walks. Sullivan has the ability to steal bases and is a quality center fielder. He has a plus arm for the position, and as a college pitcher he was clocked at 87-89 mph. Sullivan will take the next step to Double-A this year and should be ready for the majors by the end of the following season.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Sullivan was a two-way star in college at Wake Forest, but he was a seventh-round pick because he has no overwhelming tools. He continues to put up solid numbers each season as he climbs steadily through the Rockies organization, however, and he's the kind of player managers love. He has great instincts and shows leadership and toughness, playing in all but two games for Tulsa this season. "He might have been the best ballplayer in the league," Ireland said. "You have to look past the individual tools to see his potential. He did it all and did it every day. He brings it all every day, and you don't see that much anymore." Sullivan led the league in hits and has good hands and a smooth swing. He accentuates his good speed by being an above-average bunter, but hurt himself by not drawing enough walks and by getting caught on 13 of his 30 basestealing attempts. He's a legitimate center fielder and had the best outfield arm in the league.
