Shawn Wooten

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #30 prospect in 2001
  Wooten doesn't have a prospect pedigree. He's 28 and did two years of time in the independent (and now defunct) Prairie League after the Tigers released him in 1995. He hooked up with the Angels in 1997 and put together three decent seasons while learning to catch. He moved behind the plate full-time in 2000, with surprising results. He hit a career-high 20 homers, and his .327 average was his best since he was the Rookie-level Appalachian League's all-star DH seven years earlier. Wooten was surprisingly effective as a catcher, showing an above-average release and arm while throwing out 42 percent of basestealers. He worked hard to get into shape before the offseason, and his efforts obviously paid off. Wooten had minor surgery on his right ankle after the season but should be healthy at the start of spring training. With Bengie Molina coming off a surprising rookie season and Jared Abruzzo beginning his ascent through the system, Wooten might never get a chance to become Anaheim's regular catcher. But at worst, the Angels think he can be a backup catcher/first baseman/third baseman. His offensive upside has to be at least as good as that of Jorge Fabregas, whom Anaheim signed as a free agent during the offseason.