Eddie Prasch
| AB | 1476 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .24 |
| OBP | .327 |
| SLG | .347 |
| HR | 18 |
- Full name Edward Andrew Prasch
- Born 01/25/1986 in Anderson, IN
- Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: L / Throws: R
- School Milton
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Drafted in the 3rd round (82nd overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2004 (signed for $500,000).
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With the exception of Nelson, scouts agree that Prasch is the state's best hitter. His bat is by far his best tool, and he's shown the ability to hit good pitching from either lefties (lashing line drives off Quigley when the junior was throwing 94) or righties. He has a quick, short stroke and a good trigger in his swing. He hit .440-10-40 this spring. Prasch doesn't have another plus tool, however, though he's an average runner. He resembles Diamondbacks infielder Chad Tracy in that he projects for modest power (10-15 home runs) if he moves to third base, as expected. He isn't a great defender as a prep shortstop, and he might be too stiff with hands and footwork for the middle infield.
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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Prasch was one of the top draft prospects in the talent-rich Atlanta area in 2004 and the Pirates gave him a $500,000 bonus as a third-round pick. He has managed to play in just 73 games and log only 263 at-bats in his two pro seasons because of a variety of injuries, including a strained back that sidelined him for most of 2005. When healthy, Prasch has a pretty line-drive stroke from the left side. He's short to the ball and generates plenty of bat speed. However, his swing got longer and slower last season, a symptom of his back problems. Prasch showed the ability to hit both lefties and righties as an amateur but has yet to get untracked in the pros. He has yet to homer, though he projects to hit 15-25 annually once his body fills out and if he stays healthy. His feet are slow and his hands aren't overly soft, but Prasch compensates at third base with a strong arm. He doesn't appear ready for full-season ball yet. He likely will remain in extended spring training, then report to Williamsport in June. -
Prasch was an Atlanta-area high school standout and Pirates scouting director Ed Creech, who lives in Georgia, saw him often last spring. Prasch hit 13 homers and drove in 52 runs to lead Alpharetta High to the state 5-A title, but he struggled in his first taste of professional baseball after signing for $500,000. He has one above-average tool, and that's his bat. Scouts rated it behind only that of Rockies first-rounder Chris Nelson among Georgia high schoolers. Prasch is a line-drive hitter who uses the whole field and handles lefthanded pitching well for a young lefthanded hitter. He also has an outstanding feel for the game. Moved from shortstop to third base when he entered pro ball, Prasch has yet to show the power expected from a corner infielder. He should add pop as his body matures. He has made the transition to third smoothly and has good hands and an average arm. He's an average runner. The Pirates will take it slow with him, and he almost certainly will begin 2005 in extended spring training. Prasch is likely to repeat the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League to begin with, and the Pirates are willing to be patient and wait for his bat to develop.
