Cesar Hernandez Stats & Scouting Report

AB	28
AVG	.143
OBP	.273
SLG	.214
HR	0

Full name César Augusto Hernández
Born 05/23/1990 in Valencia, Venezuela
Profile Ht.: 5'10" / Wt.: 183 / Bats: S / Throws: R
Debut 05/29/2013

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Rated as the best defensive second baseman in both the Eastern and International leagues over the past two seasons, Hernandez has earned all-star nods in three different leagues in his career. Shifted to center field in July, he earned a September callup and played virtually every day for the Phillies in the season's final month. Much like countryman and system-mate Freddy Galvis, Hernandez's slight frame oozes with athleticism, which came in handy with his shift to center field. He wasn't a natural at his new position, but he showed enough progress to make his employers believe he's a legitimate option there. He's a plus runner with the smarts to make his legs a weapon on the basepaths, and they play in center. He's also sure-handed when focused at second, with an average arm makes him merely an emergency option at shortstop, which he's played sparingly. At the plate he showcases a line-drive swing with gap-to-gap power but can get beat with good velocity up in the zone. Hernandez will head to the Venezuelan League to keep himself sharp at both second and in center. The Phillies' infield remains crowded, with veterans like Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley, as well as Freddy Galvis, so Hernandez fits better in the short-term in a utility role, putting his new outfield experience to work.
Hernandez is often mentioned with fellow switch-hitting Venezuelan infielder Freddy Galvis, as they both signed on July 2, 2006. Galvis made his major league debut in 2012, while Hernandez reached Triple-A two seasons after being added to the 40-man roster. He doesn't quite have Galvis' arm or defensive ability, but he has flashy actions at the keystone sack and managers rated him the Eastern League's best defensive second baseman in 2012. He has a solid arm and good hands. Hernandez packs more punch at the plate than Galvis, though he still has below-average power, and is a better runner. He has good bat-to-ball ability and a line-drive mentality, though pre-pitch hand movement sometimes causes him to get to the ball late. His approach is somewhat undisciplined. Hernandez still needs to learn the intricacies of stealing bases, though he covers 60 yards in 6.6 seconds. He would benefit from adding strength to his slight frame. The Phillies have also worked to make sure he remains focused pitch-to-pitch and inning-to-inning. Scouts are divided on whether Hernandez will hit enough to be an everyday player. He'll get more Triple-A seasoning in 2013.
Signed on the same day (July 2, 2006) as fellow Venezuelan infielder Freddy Galvis, Hernandez hasn't moved as quickly but has a better chance to make an impact with his bat. After getting added to the 40-man roster following the 2010 season, he made the jump from short-season to Williamsport to high Class A. He hit just .177 through mid-May while getting acclimated, then batted .296/.333/.371 the rest of the way. A switch-hitter, Hernandez is significantly better from the left side. He has a line-drive approach and the bat speed to develop gap-to-gap power once he adds some strength to his slight frame. He understands the strike zone and shows the ability to barrel the ball, though he lacks patience and gets himself out by chasing pitches. He has plus speed and runs the bases well, making him a threat to steal. Defensively, Hernandez has an above-average arm and smooth actions, but he tends to be passive and sometimes is too stationary at second base. Scouts compare him to Placido Polanco, a steady performer and grinder. After his strong second half, Hernandez should make the jump to Double-A in 2012. Chase Utley is signed for two more seasons, so the Phillies don't have to rush Hernandez.
Signed the same year as fellow Venezuelan infielder Freddy Galvis, Hernandez hasn't moved as quickly but has a better chance to make an impact with his bat. Hernandez has impressed scouts in instructional league for the last two years and looks primed for a breakout season. A switch-hitter, he handles the bat better from the left side and hits for more pop from his natural right side. He's a slap hitter who squares up the ball well and uses the entire field. He has plus speed and good savvy on the basepaths. Hernandez made his biggest strides in 2010 with his defense, and he plays above his solid range and arm strength because of his instincts. He spent most of his time at second base for Williamsport last season, and that's where the Phillies think he will stay. Some scouts, however, think he looks more natural at shortstop. He has a tendency to bend at his waist and not at his knees on grounders, and he needs to add strength to his medium-size frame. Hernandez made it onto the 40-man roster without ever playing in a full-season league, something that will change when he advances to Lakewood in 2011.

Minor League Top Prospects

Hernandez impressed scouts at the Phillies' instructional league last fall, then posted a breakout season as a 20-year-old in the NY-P. A switch-hitter, he's a slasher who makes consistent contact and uses all fields from both sides of the plate. He has well below-average power but does have some strength to the pull side, particularly when batting righthanded. Hernandez is a table-setter who can bunt and hit-and-run effectively, and his above-average speed plays very well on the basepaths. He ranked second in the league with 32 steals in 38 tries. He has the tools to be a standout defender at second base and a solid fill-in at shortstop or third base. Hernandez has sure hands and slick infield actions, and he turns the double play very well. He has a solid, accurate arm and plenty of range at second base. "He reminds me a little bit of an Alberto Callaspo/Erick Aybar type," Batavia manager Dann Bilardello said. "A great fielder, a switch-hitter and he can run real well."

Best Tools List

Rated Best Defensive Infielder in the Philadelphia Phillies in 2013
Rated Best Defensive 2B in the Eastern League in 2012
Rated Best Defensive 2B in the Florida State League in 2011

Career Transactions

2B César Hernández assigned to Tiburones de La Guaira.
2B César Hernández elected free agency.
2B César Hernández assigned to Tacoma Rainiers.
Tacoma Rainiers activated 2B César Hernández.
Seattle Mariners signed free agent 2B César Hernández to a minor league contract.
Toledo Mud Hens released 2B César Hernández.
2B César Hernández assigned to Toledo Mud Hens.
Detroit Tigers signed free agent 2B César Hernández to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.
2B César Hernández roster status changed by Detroit Tigers.
2B César Hernández assigned to Cardenales de Lara.
Cardenales de Lara activated 2B César Hernández.