Jarek Cunningham
| AB | 2466 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .243 |
| OBP | .31 |
| SLG | .421 |
| HR | 76 |
- Full name Jarek Michael Cunningham
- Born 12/25/1989 in Spokane, WA
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 195 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Mount Spokane
- Drafted in the 18th round (534th overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2008 (signed for $100,000).
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Cunningham has hit better than most Pirates position prospects since singing for $100,000 as an 18th-round pick in 2008. But he has had trouble staying healthy. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee as a high school senior, missing the season but avoiding surgery when the ACL reattached itself. He wasn't as fortunate when he tore it again during a conditioning drill, requiring an operation that cost him all of 2009. After making it through the 2010 season, he was hit in the head by a pitch last July 15, sustaining a concussion and missing most of the final seven weeks. Cunningham has outstanding pop for a middle infielder, true plus power that he generates to all fields. He hit 15 homers in 80 games in the pitcherfriendly Florida State League last year. The ball jumps off his bat when he makes sweet spot contact. He lacks plate discipline, however, which could be his fatal flaw as he works his way through the system. He swings and misses a lot, and he often chases pitches outside the zone. Despite his knee injuries, Cunningham still has solid speed and some scouts wonder why he doesn't run more often. A shortstop in high school and primarily a third baseman in his pro debut, he shifted to second base following his second knee surgery. He has good range and arm strength, and he's a tick above-average at turning the double play. Cunningham will begin 2012 in Double- A. He has the tools to be Ian Kinsler Lite if his health and strike-zone judgment don't sabotage his chances. -
After starring in his pro debut and looking like one of the steals of the 2008 draft, Cunningham missed all of last season when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a conditioning drill. He also missed his high school senior year in 2008 with the same issue, but in a medical rarity, the ACL reattached itself without surgery. He couldn't avoid an operation the second time, however. Cunningham's draft stock plunged after the original injury, and the Pirates were able to take him in the 18th round and sign him away from an Arizona State commitment for $300,000. He has a short stroke, makes consistent hard contact and figures to develop at least slightly above-average power. He has a solid approach for a young player, so he should hit for average as well. Cunningham is a good athlete with above-average speed, range and arm strength. Pittsburgh played him mostly at third base in his pro debut to increase his versatility and take stress off his knee, but Cunningham was a shortstop in high school and has the tools to play there if the knee surgery doesn't cost him any quickness. The Pirates will see how he looks in spring training before determining where to send him for 2010. -
Cunningham missed his senior high school season in 2008 because of a knee injury, which caused him to slip to the 18th round of the draft. Doctors originally thought he had torn his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus, yet when he went in for surgery they found the ACL had reattached itself. The Pirates were thrilled to sign Cunningham away from Arizona State for $100,000. In his debut, they had him play third base in addition to shortstop (his high school position) in order to increase his versatility and reduce strain on his knee, which held up fine. Cunningham has gap power and should hit a fair number of homers as he adds size and strength. He also has a chance to be a plus defender at shortstop because he has good range and an above-average arm. His arm strength makes him a fit at third base if he outgrows shortstop. Cunningham spent part of the offseason at the Athletes Performance Institute in Phoenix, which could give him a head start on winning a spot in low Class A to open 2009. He has the physical ability to move quickly through the system, though a conservative timetable has him making his major league debut in 2012.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Cunningham fell to the 18th round of the 2008 draft after a knee injury sidelined him for most of his high school senior season. Healthy again in the GCL, he was one of the most dangerous hitters in the league. Cunningham is a threat to hit for average and power, and he has a good understanding of the strike zone. He spent most of the season at third base, in part to ease the strain on his knee. He has the arm strength and actions to play shortstop, his primary position in high school, and could return there next season.
