Josh Whitesell

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #19 prospect in 2009
  Signed as a minor league free agent after five seasons in the Expos/Nationals organization, Whitesell was a revelation in his first experience above Double-A. He mashed at Tucson to earn a September callup, and a pinch-hit home run against the Rockies gave the Diamondbacks a glimpse of his value to a major league team. Whitesell's consistency was the most impressive aspect of his performance in Tucson, as he finished among the Pacific Coast League leaders in several offensive categories and set a career high for home runs. He has pure controlled violence in his lefthanded swing, and he's also able to take walks and knows how to put an at-bat together. He has some athletic ability but below-average speed, and he's a hard worker. He's an average first baseman and could be adequate as a fill-in in left field as well. He strikes out a lot, which is an acceptable tradeoff if he shows plus power, and some in the organization expect him to cut down on the strikeouts as he matures. Whitesell doesn't profile as an everyday player in the big leagues, but his lefty power is a nice luxury on the bench, and might be able to handle a platoon role. Arizona will give him every chance to earn a spot on the big league roster in spring training.
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  Ranked Washington Nationals #14 prospect in 2006
  One of the strongest players in the system, Whitesell improved in every significant offensive category except strikeouts in 2005. He strikes out a lot because he's not afraid to work deep into counts and wait for his pitch or draw walks. He knows his strike zone very well and gives away many fewer at-bats than he used to. Whitesell shows the ability to hit for average, but his well above average power is his best tool. He can drive balls from line to line and might be strongest to the opposite field. He still needs to fine-tune his swing so there's less movement getting into hitting position, but he has become much more consistent. Whether he ever becomes an adequate defender at first base is still in question. He has worked hard to improve his agility around the bag, though he still profiles more as a DH at this point. He'll play first base in Double-A this year.
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  Ranked Washington Nationals #29 prospect in 2005
  The Expos were intrigued by Whitesell's huge raw power after seeing him launch balls with wood bats during batting practice at Loyola Marymount. He has hit 21 homers in 162 pro games, but hasn't shown much in other areas of the game. Whitesell is a good fastball hitter with even more strength than Larry Broadway. He had quality at-bats in 2004 and does draw walks, but he still strikes out too often. Whitesell struggles against lefthanders and is streaky. Club officials like Whitesell's high energy level and solid work ethic, which have helped him improve defensively after primarily serving as a DH in college. He won't win any Gold Gloves, but he's fielding grounders more quickly and showing better footwork. He's a below-average runner. Whitesell's enormous power will make him an intriguing middle-of-the-order prospect if he can refine his approach and his defense. He should be the everyday first baseman in high Class A this year.