Jared Sandberg
| AB | 630 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .221 |
| OBP | .297 |
| SLG | .406 |
| HR | 25 |
- Full name Jared Lawrence Sandberg
- Born 03/02/1978 in Olympia, WA
- Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Capital
- Debut 08/07/2001
- Drafted in the 16th round (484th overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays in 1996.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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After experiencing a back injury that led to a slow first half in Double-A, Sandberg gained momentum as the 2000 season progressed. Tabbed the sixth-best prospect in the high Class A Florida State League in 1999, he finished 2000 in Triple-A and did well in all phases of the game against better competition. Sandberg is naturally strong and possesses above-average power to all fields. He also has a plus arm and is adept at making diving plays at the hot corner. His poise, mental approach and work ethic are exceptional. Sandberg needs to improve his judgment of the strike zone. He falls into ruts when he tries to pull outside pitches instead of hitting the ball to the opposite field. While his range is good, he needs to be more consistent on routine plays. The nephew of former all-star Ryne Sandberg is on the verge of adding another Sandberg to the major league rolls. He's expected to open 2001 in Triple-A. -
Background: Sandberg, a nephew of former Cubs great Ryne Sandberg, was expected to build off his 1997 Appalachian League MVP season in 1998. Instead he struggled at Charleston, but recovered after being sent down to Hudson Valley. Strengths: Sandberg is a savvy and polished player with a prototypical third baseman's body. He played second base his first year and a half after signing with Tampa Bay, a testament to his overall athletic and defensive ability. Sandberg's power is his biggest offensive weapon. Weaknesses: At the right age and experience level for the South Atlantic League, Sandberg appeared unready for that step. He must cut down on his strikeouts, and show more patience with balls out of the strike zone. The Future: The Devil Rays were as surprised as anyone by Sandberg's struggles and ascribe it to youthful tension and lack of patience over any physical problem. They point to his quick rebound after being sent down, a time when many young players get down on themselves, as a positive sign for 1999.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Sandberg continues to develop into a player who could make opponents cry uncle when comparing him to his famous uncle, former Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg. "I like his power to all fields," Brevard County manager Dave Huppert said. "His numbers for (Al Lang Field) are great. His hitting is the main thing for me. Defensively, he's got first-step quickness, an average arm and good hands." The savvy, polished Sandberg has good agility. In a league with some other hot corner fielders who could have overshadowed him, Sandberg more than held his own. He ranked second in the league in homers and third in RBIs. "He really belongs on this list," said Silver, who managed Sandberg. "You shouldn't be overshadowed if you hit 22 homers and drive in 96 runs."
