Oscar Materano

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Colorado Rockies #15 prospect in 2004
  Materano is the next in the line of Caribbean shortstops produced by Colorado, and he has better tools than predecessors Neifi Perez and Juan Uribe. Materano has plus arm strength and the ability to go into the hole and make outstanding plays. The Rockies also like his offensive potential, though he has yet to hit much. He has a live bat that will produce some extra-base pop once he develops a better knowledge of the strike zone. He's overaggressive at the plate and out of control in the field. Style, not substance, is his priority, and he hasn't shown the maturity to make adjustments. Though he has big hands, they are a bit stiff. He's an average runner. Materano will repeat low Class A in 2004, a move designed to make him realize that he has to develop better focus.
• 
  Ranked Colorado Rockies #12 prospect in 2003
  Materano was a short-season Northwest League all-star last year, when he led Tri-City in homers and RBIs despite being the youngest everyday player on the club. Even so, his glove is ahead of his bat, as he's the top defensive infielder and owns the strongest infield arm in the system. He's an excellent athlete with great body control and fine instincts. His arm and hands allow him to make spectacular plays at shortstop. Materano has a quick bat but needs to tighten his strike zone to have a better chance at the plate. Still young, he needs to maintain his focus, particularly on defense. The latest Latin shortstop produced by the Rockies, Materano hopes to follow Neifi Perez and Juan Uribe to Colorado. He'll play this year in low Class A.