Michael Almanzar

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked New York-Penn League #19 prospect in 2009
  The son of former big league righthander Carlos Almanzar, Michael signed in 2007 for $1.5 million, the largest bonus netted by any international signee that year. After hitting just .207/.261/.293 in 49 games at low Class A Greenville to start 2009, he was sent down to Lowell, where he fared little better. He still stood out with his athletic, projectable frame and easy raw power, though he's still learning to unlock it in games. Almanzar needs to shorten his swing and improve his plate discipline, but he has plus power potential and the bat speed to develop into an average or better hitter with time. He has a strong arm at third base and he moves well, but his throws are erratic and his hands are suspect. Multiple managers said they were turned off by his attitude, particularly his seeming lack of interest in playing defense. "He's got a lot of ability, but he plays the game like it's Sunday afternoon," one manager said. "Maybe it's because the game comes easy to him. I don't think he quite understands the game yet. He needs to learn a lot."
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  Ranked Florida Complex League #5 prospect in 2008
  Almanzar is on the fast track to the big leagues, as he spent half the season in the GCL before moving up to low Class A as a 17-year-old. Signed out of the Dominican Republic for $1.5 million in 2007, he appeared too advanced for the GCL from day one. He started the season 8-for-19 at the plate and batted .348/.414/.472 in 23 games before moving up. Almanzar has a sound swing with above-average bat speed and raw power. His instincts and plate discipline are advanced for his age--no surprise for the son of a former big leaguer, Carlos Almanzar. He has both strength and projection in his 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame, and as he fills out, his power numbers should increase. Almanzar currently plays third base but may move to first base in the future. He has the hands and arm strength to play the hot corner but needs to improve his foot speed and quickness in order to make routine plays on a consistent basis. He's a below-average runner but has good instincts on the basepaths.