Ryan Roberts

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Toronto Blue Jays #26 prospect in 2007
  Roberts was the Southland Conference player of the year and nearly won the league triple crown as a senior in 2003, yet lasted until the 18th round. He completed his climb to the majors last August by homering off the late Cory Lidle. Roberts has more power than his frame suggests, with the ability to drive the ball from right-center field to the left-field line. While his swing stays on a level plane for a long time, it can get big, diminishing his ability to hit for average. Drafted as a third baseman, he moved to second base in instructional league in 2003 and has made steady progress ever since. His range, hands and arm are average, and he turns the double play well. He's a below-average runner and brings very little on the bases. Roberts is a hard-nosed, high-energy player who may be able to carve out a utility role in the majors.
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  Ranked Toronto Blue Jays #26 prospect in 2006
  Drafted as a third baseman in 2003, Roberts was shifted to second base in instructional league that year and the transition has gone smoothly. He didn't distinguish himself in his first crack at high Class A in 2004, but it took him just two months to master the level in 2005 and he didn't stop hitting after a promotion to Double-A. Roberts has an advanced approach at the plate--he placed third in the Eastern League in on-base percentage--and opposite-field power. He'll take a pitcher's pitch on the outside corner and serve it to right field. While he's an offensive-minded second baseman, Roberts has average speed, range and arm strength, solid hands and an effective double-play pivot. He's a high-energy player whom opposing managers commend for his professionalism. He's ready for Triple-A and getting close to his first big league promotion.