Jason Grabowski

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Oakland Athletics #22 prospect in 2004
  At 27, Grabowski has done just about everything possible to prove he can play in the majors, but he never has gotten much of an opportunity. He has just 16 at-bats over the last two seasons in Oakland. Grabowski has hit for average and power and reached base consistently throughout his pro career. He doesn't project to have quite enough offense to hold down a regular job as a corner outfielder, but he's versatile enough to have played every position but second base and pitcher as a pro. He has an average arm and runs slightly below average. Grabowski's ability to produce at the plate and fill in at a variety of positions could make him a useful big league reserve. He's out of options, so the A's risk losing him on waivers if he doesn't make their club in spring training.
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  Ranked Oakland Athletics #12 prospect in 2003
  The path to the major leagues has taken many twists for Grabowski, but he'll come to spring training with an excellent chance to win a bench job. After playing catcher and shortstop at Connecticut, he signed with the Rangers as a catcher. Bouts with tendinitis in both knees led Grabowski to move to third base, and he primarily played the outfield in 2002. The Athletics got him in the 2001 major league Rule 5 draft but weren't able to keep him on their 25-man roster. They outrighted him to the minors, and because he had been outrighted previously that made him a free agent--and he immediately re-signed with Oakland. By mutual decision, Grabowski received some duty behind the plate last season. He needs better foot-work at catcher, but he has enough arm strength for the position. He's also versatile enough to be a viable backup at the corner infield and outfield spots. As a hitter, Grabowski offers solid power and the ability to draw walks. He had the best offensive season of his career in 2002, though it was shortened when he broke the hamate bone in his wrist.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Texas League #17 prospect in 2000
  Jason Romano isn’t the only Drillers prospect who has changed positions recently. Grabowski moved from catcher to the hot corner in 1999. That means he eventually will have to try to unseat Mike Lamb, not reigning American League MVP Ivan Rodriguez. Grabowski had a solid but not sensational 2000 season. He showed good plate discipline, gap power and a strong arm. He needs to hit a few more home runs and make more accurate throws.
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  Ranked Florida State League #7 prospect in 1999
  Maybe it was the conversion from catcher to third base. Or maybe it was some needed tinkering with the mechanics of his swing. Whatever the problem was early in the season for Grabowski, he found out the answer and fixed it in time to rank third in the FSL in hitting and sixth in RBIs by season's end. "He made a lot of improvement in the season," Dorante said. "He was overswinging and had a long swing. Now he's not taking that long swing and he's making adjustments. He's making some contact and he'll get more power when his body fills out." Grabowski handled the conversion from catcher to third base with relative ease. Managers pointed out soft hands and strong arm as his strong points to go along with average range. "He had some trouble against the bunt because he's not used to coming in on the ball," Dorante said.

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Jason Romano isn’t the only Drillers prospect who has changed positions recently. Grabowski moved from catcher to the hot corner in 1999. That means he eventually will have to try to unseat Mike Lamb, not reigning American League MVP Ivan Rodriguez. Grabowski had a solid but not sensational 2000 season. He showed good plate discipline, gap power and a strong arm. He needs to hit a few more home runs and make more accurate throws.