Stephen Chapman
| AB | 1838 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .248 |
| OBP | .318 |
| SLG | .431 |
| HR | 61 |
- Full name Stephen Andrew Chapman
- Born 10/12/1985 in Washington, DC
- Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- School Marianna
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Drafted in the 6th round (166th overall) by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2004 (signed for $159,000).
View Draft Report
OF Stephen Chapman has questions going into the draft, but has undeniable tools. Chapman, a key recruit for Auburn, has raw power potential and can hit the best fastball thanks to good bat speed. He's an average runner and thrower, but his bat is a question because he doesn't handle offspeed stuff well or recognize breaking balls.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Selected to the inaugural Aflac All-American game in 2003, Chapman turned down Auburn to sign for $159,000 as a sixth-round pick the following June. He didn't make it to full-season ball for good until his fourth year of pro ball, and continued to make steady improvements in 2007 by exceeding his previous career totals with 24 homers and 89 RBIs. Chapman's tools are all average to a tick above, but his bat was slow to develop. He has bat speed and power, though his swing gets long at times and he's sometimes slow to make adjustments. He lacks discipline at the plate and gets himself out too often. He has solid-average speed to go with average range and arm strength in the outfield. Chapman played mostly left field in 2007, though he's capable of playing in right. West Virginia is a haven for hitters, and it will be interesting to see how he adapts at more pitcher-friendly Brevard County this year. He continues to have a high ceiling but still needs a considerable amount of polish. -
Chapman, who was selected to the roster for the inaugural Aflac All-American game in 2003, has scuffled at the plate since opting to sign for $159,000 with the Brewers instead of going to Auburn. On surface, you wouldn't think a player competing at the Rookie-level for a third consecutive year would be considered among a strong organization's top prospects. But, it became evident early that Chapman wasn't going to get regular at-bats in a loaded West Virginia outfield, the Brewers sent him back to Helena for a second season. As might be expected from an experienced player with added confidence, Chapman fared well offensively, and he's a solid defender in center field with an average arm that's good enough for him to fill in in right. He has some pop in his bat--31 of his 84 hits at Helena went for extra bases-and he has plus speed that makes him a threat on the bases. He is a well-rounded player with solid tools across the board. He often struggles with his timing at the plate, however, and gets frustrated, becoming his own worst enemy and striking out in bunches. Chapman remains a work in progress and could be another in a series of late bloomers in their system. The Brewers will find out more about Chapman in 2007 when he's West Virginia's everyday center fielder.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Chapman spent his third straight season in Rookie ball, but he showed enough this year to earn a late-season promotion to low Class A. PL observers liked his lefthanded bat, as he has good pitch recognition and uses the entire field. He should have at least doubles power as he advances, and he adjusted well after early-season struggles against southpaws. He's just an average runner, but has good instincts and can steal a base. He plays too shallow in center field, as balls get over his head and he doesn't always have enough speed to track them down.
