Jimmy Paredes Stats & Scouting Report

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Paredes advanced slowly through the Yankees system, in part because of 2008 shoulder surgery that pushed him to the right side of the infield. He showed enough tools in his 2010 full-season debut to be the key prospect the Astros got from New York in the Lance Berkman trade. Paredes ranked second in the South Atlantic League in hits (158) and third in steals (50). Houston has targeted athletes and speed while rebuilding its farm system, and Paredes fits the mold. He's both quick and fast, with an explosive first step and easy plus speed. He already has a feel for stealing bases, getting caught just 11 times last year. A switch-hitter, he has more power and a better swing from the right side. As a lefty, he has a contactoriented approach and needs to incorporate his lower half more in his swing. Paredes' arm strength has returned to average, and he has decent hands and infield actions. Footwork was a problem for him at second base, and most scouts discount his ability to stay in the middle infield. Some see him as a better fit in center field or as an offensive-minded utilityman. The Astros moved Paredes to third base in instructional league and were pleased with the results, adding him to the 40-man roster. He'll play the hot corner in high Class A this year.

Perhaps it was inevitable for a young second baseman wearing pinstripes, but Paredes drew a few physical comparisons to a young Robinson Cano from NY-P managers. Paredes actually put up better numbers as a 19-year-old at Staten Island than Cano did in 2002, and he showed more speed than Cano ever has. He also was the NY-P all-star game MVP and batted .444 in the playoffs to lead Staten Island to the title. A switch-hitter, Paredes has a good line-drive stroke from both sides of the plate. He hit .300 against lefthanders and .303 against righties this summer, though he slugged 174 points higher against southpaws. He flashes some pull power and could develop average pop as his strong frame matures. He doesn't take a lot of walks, but he does show some ability to work counts. Paredes isn't a burner, but he's an aggressive baserunner with good speed. Defensively, he's not as fluid as Cano and needs to improve his footwork, particularly around the bag. His hands, actions and arm strength are certainly playable, and he could develop into a solid defender.