Jason Bartlett Stats & Scouting Report

AB	3141
AVG	.27
OBP	.336
SLG	.366
HR	31

Full name Jason Alan Bartlett
Born 10/30/1979 in Mountain View, CA
Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Oklahoma
Debut 08/03/2004
Drafted in the 13th round (390th overall) by the San Diego Padres in 2001.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Less than two weeks after signing Khalil Greene as a 2002 first-round pick, the Padres put another former college shortstop in a minor deal for Brian Buchanan. Twins scout John Leavitt had seen Bartlett in the minors and projected him as an everyday shortstop in the majors--a role he could assume in 2005. Despite missing two months with a broken right wrist, Bartlett made strides at the plate last season, putting balls in play and battling pitchers every time up. He understands his role as a contact hitter. He has the arm to make plays from the hole and range to both sides. None of Bartlett's tools is overwhelming. He has limited power and his barely above-average speed is below the standard for a middle infielder. He needs to improve his jumps and technique on the bases, as well as his concentration on defense. Minnesota opted not to pick up Cristian Guzman's $5.25 million contract option, making the starting shortstop job Bartlett's to lose. The hope is he can hold the job for several years, or at least until 2004 first-round pick Trevor Plouffe is ready.
Since the Twins traded for Cristian Guzman and developed Luis Rivas, their system has had a gaping hole in the middle infield. They addressed it in July 2002 by trading Brian Buchanan to the Padres for Bartlett, who has exceeded their expectations. While Twins scout John Leavitt projected Bartlett as an everyday big league shortstop, Minnesota would have been content with a utility infielder in the mold of Denny Hocking. Bartlett turns in quality at-bat after quality at-bat. He protects the plate well with quick hands and good bat control. While his tools aren't overwhelming in the middle of the diamond, he has the arm to make strong, accurate throws from the hole and enough range to both sides. Though Bartlett has proven to be a table-setter, he doesn't project to make much of an impact with his bat. A tick above-average as a runner, he led the system in steals but needs to improve his jumps and technique. He topped the minors by getting caught 24 times last year. Guzman's tenure as Minnesota's shortstop likely will run out when his contract ends after 2004. After a full season in Triple-A, Bartlett is his heir apparent.
Catcher and shortstop are the weakest positions in the system, so Bartlett was a very welcome surprise last summer after signing as a 13th-round pick. He hit just .282-6-31 with aluminum as an Oklahoma senior before batting .300 with wood and making the Northwest League all-star team. Now the Padres believe they have a four-tool shortstop on their hands. Bartlett won't hit for power, but he should hit for average and draw walks. Once he reaches base, he's a threat because he has average speed and excellent instincts. Defensively, he has fine actions to go with the arm, hands and feet for shortstop. Because of his success and his age, Bartlett has a chance to open 2002 in high Class A.

Minor League Top Prospects

The Twins stole Bartlett from the Padres in a July 2002 trade for Brian Buchanan. Two impressive seasons later, Bartlett is on the verge of taking over for pending free agent Cristian Guzman in Minnesota. Bartlett has quick hands, good plate coverage and even better control of the strike zone. That allows him to hit for average and gap power. Defensively, he has the arm strength to make throws from deep in the hole and shows range to both sides. "I liked the way he moved out there," Cooper said. "He has great instincts and a good first step. He made all the routine plays."
Bartlett might have been the biggest surprise in the EL this season. His biggest claim to fame had been being traded from the Padres for Brian Buchanan in July 2002, but he won over the managers with his steady and sometimes flashy play at shortstop, plus his ability to hit to all fields. He has top-of-the-order ability because he knows how to handle the bat and get on base. He runs well enough to steal a few bases. Bartlett can get a little pull-happy at times, but he showed enough pop to prove that he's more than a slap hitter. "That guy grew on me," Machemer said. "He runs, he has good arm strength, he positions himself well and he's got good strike-zone judgment."
After an uninspiring performance during Oklahoma's disappointing 25-33 college season, Bartlett had one of the best debuts in the league. He hit just .282-6-31 with aluminum, but few players rivaled his offensive polish and skill in the NWL. Managers saw enough to rank him as the league's top middle-infield prospect. Most projected him as a second baseman down the line with above-average offensive potential, possibly as a leadoff hitter. His arm is average and his instincts are an asset. "I like his bat and he's an excellent baserunner," Stanley said. "He makes great turns around the bases and makes the most of his speed. I thought he had good actions for the middle infield."