Travis Chapman

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Kansas City Royals #18 prospect in 2004
  Chapman spent the first part of his offseason in the Arizona Fall League playing first base to prepare to win a role as a utility corner infielder and pinch-hitter with the Phillies. But he tore the labrum in his throwing shoulder while working out during the winter, and Philadelphia chose not to offer him a contract for 2004, making him a free agent. The Royals signed him in late January to help address their lack of organizational depth at the hot corner. Chapman isn't blessed with plus tools, but he has worked relentlessly to improve himself every year. He was solid in his first two seasons as a pro, then answered concerns about a lack of power by spending his entire offseason following the 2001 campaign working out. He added 10 pounds of muscle and transformed himself from an organizational player to a prospect. He's an average hitter who sometimes gets pull-conscious and can be worked hard inside and then away with offspeed pitches. Chapman finished fourth in the Triple-A International League in RBIs last year, when he also played in the Triple-A all-star game and led the Phillies system in doubles. He could develop into a Joe Randa type who hits .270 with a handful of home runs. Chapman has mediocre range but is a steady defender at either infield corner. He may not be ready to take the field until June, when he's expected to return to Triple-A.
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  Ranked Detroit Tigers #21 prospect in 2003
  With Dean Palmer playing just 61 games over the last two seasons, the Tigers bought third-base insurance in the major league Rule 5 draft. During his first two pro seasons, Chapman looked like nothing more than a solid organizational player, hitting for average but showing little power for a third baseman. Philadelphia wanted him to play winter ball after the 2001 season, but Chapman decided he would be better served by working on his strength and conditioning. The Phillies assented and a bulked-up Chapman nearly tripled his career home run total in 2002. It's a testament to his strong work ethic and makeup. Chapman shows a disciplined approach at the plate and has average tools across the board. He's solid defensively at third, where he does everything well but little exceptionally. After the Phillies signed David Bell as a free agent, they decided not to protect Chapman on the 40-man roster. He projects as a useful corner utility player in the majors, and that's the role Detroit will use him in this season.