Jonathan Fulton
| AB | 1241 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .242 |
| OBP | .293 |
| SLG | .392 |
| HR | 37 |
- Full name Jonathan Martyn Fulton
- Born 12/01/1983 in Charlottesville, VA
- Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School George Washington
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Drafted in the 3rd round (83rd overall) by the Miami Marlins in 2003 (signed for $440,000).
View Draft Report
Fulton is viewed as a third- or fourth-round talent, but he may go a round or two earlier because of the shortage of quality middle infielders in the draft. He offers the total package at shortstop. He has great hands, solid arm strength and a quick first step. He makes most routine plays but tries to be too flashy at times. A quarterback in high school, he's physical and athletic. At 6-foot-4 he might outgrow short, which leads to questions about whether his bat would play at third base. His swing isn't the quickest and can be long at times. He's shown better balance at the plate and needs to get stronger. At 19, he's older than most high school seniors after he was held back a year to gain an athletic advantage. Even as he's hit more than .500 this spring, some say he should be dominating high school players more than he has.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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After letting him play shortstop for a season and a half, the Marlins moved Fulton to third during their prospect minicamp last fall. Some see him as a young Scott Rolen, with huge hands and big power potential. He has thrived ever since getting his vision corrected with contacts and prescription sunglasses midway through his first professional season. After hitting .150 in his first 133 pro at-bats, Fulton has put himself on the fast track. While he was a little short in terms of range at shortstop, third base seems to suit him better. He has a plus arm and quick feet. He needs to simplify his game, however, and stop brooding over bad at bats. He also must improve his plate judgment and use the middle of the field more. In order to keep improving his vision, Fulton does 30 to 40 minutes of daily eye exercises on a computer program in his room. The same doctor who prescribed the program for Fulton gave the same thing to Barry Bonds. Fulton has a strong work ethic and should start the year in low Class A. -
For the first six or so weeks of his pro career, Fulton was dreadfully overmatched at the plate. He hit .150 in his first 133 pro at-bats. Once Marlins officials noticed he was squinting an awful lot, he was sent out for eye tests and fitted with contact lenses and prescription sunglasses. Upon his return, Fulton went 13-for-35 (.371) the rest of the way and showed plus power. He has a good frame but lacks strength, in part because of a poor diet in high school. He does, however, have strong hands. He needs to add at least 20 pounds but showed smooth actions and a plus arm at shortstop. He projects to make the move to third, where some in the system see a young Scott Rolen. A former high school quarterback, he has more athleticism than a typical third baseman. Fulton is quiet and raw but receptive to teaching. Area scout Joel Matthews was one of his biggest backers. Extra work with roving hitting instructor John Mallee at a year-end minicamp helped Fulton show marked improvement. He's older than most high school draftees, turning 20 in the December after his pro debut. He figures to start 2004 in extended spring training.
Minor League Top Prospects
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The Marlins are still waiting for Fulton, a high-ceiling third-rounder from 2003, to put up numbers worthy of his talent. His strong finish was a cause for optimism, as eight of his 11 homers (tied for second in the league) came after Aug. 4. Fulton needs to add some bulk to his 6-foot-4 frame, but he already has shown plus power and will only get stronger. He has strong hands and a plus arm, but he figures to outgrow shortstop and move to third base. He has a good work ethic, which will help him make that transition and other necessary adjustments.
