Jose Heberto Felix

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Texas Rangers #26 prospect in 2011
  The Rangers have raved about Felix's makeup and defense since signing him out of the Mexican League in 2008. He's an outstanding receiver who has improved his footwork and throwing accuracy to the point that he erased 55 percent of basestealers last year despite just average arm strength. A high-energy player, he excels at running the game and handling pitchers. When Felix arrived in the system, he had a bad habit of double-tapping his front foot in his setup. He has worked hard to eliminate that timing mechanicsm, and it's nearly imperceptible now. He probably won't be an average hitter and he'll never hit for power, but he does hit some line drives and he can bunt well. He makes contact but doesn't walk very much. Felix made progress at the plate in 2010, which he capped by hitting .347/.360/.429 in 49 at-bats in the Arizona Fall League. He offers little speed and clogs up the bases. Most club officials see Felix as a backup catcher and occasional starter along the lines of Yorvit Torrealba or Henry Blanco, but he has an outside chance to become a regular. His defense and leadership skills make him a safe bet to become a big leaguer even if he doesn't hit, perhaps as soon as the second half of 2011. A promotion to Triple-A at least seems likely at some point this year.