Brian Jeroloman Stats & Scouting Report

AB	2471
AVG	.232
OBP	.36
SLG	.321
HR	33

Full name Brian Christopher Jeroloman
Born 05/10/1985 in Suffern, NY
Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: L / Throws: R
School Florida
Drafted in the 6th round (180th overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2006 (signed for $165,000).

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Jeroloman was always considered a defense-first backstop, but even without big expectations offensively he took a step back this spring. The slump that affected Florida teammates Matt LaPorta and Adam Davis hit Jeroloman as well, though all three are considered better players than their performances this spring. His poor hitting seemed to carry over to his defensive play at times, as well. He showed sure hands, sound footwork and above-average receiving skills as an underclassman, and played well for Team USA last summer. Jeroloman has well-above-average arm strength and has turned in 1.9-second pop times in games. He has agility and good lateral movement behind the plate and is adept at blocking balls in the dirt. He has good rapport with pitchers and calls a good game. At the plate, he showed a feel for the strike zone and an ability to keep his hands inside the ball in the past, but showed an impatient, pull approach as a junior. Scouts also question his bat speed. He has below-average power and running speed.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Jeroloman entered 2006 as the top catching prospect in college baseball, but he hit just .242 for Florida as a junior and fell to the Blue Jays in the sixth round. As a pro, he has distinguished himself with his plus package of defensive tools and his patient approach at the plate. Like Scott Campbell, he's a lefty batter who rarely goes outside the strike zone--and he has the .392 career on-base percentage to prove it. His bat isn't nearly as refined as Campbell's, though, and he also has below-average power--though he began driving the ball more frequently in Double-A last season. Jeroloman handles the bat well and uses the entire field. But it's on defense that Jeroloman really shines, as he receives well and develops a good rapport with his pitchers because he's locked in on every play. Agility and soft hands enhance his blocking ability, and his pop times on throws to second base consistently register at an excellent 1.9 seconds because of strong footwork and a quick release. He nabbed 37 percent of basestealers in 2008. He's a below-average runner. For now, the Blue Jays will keep Jeroloman and J.P. Arencibia one level apart so that each can play every day. At some point, the duo figures to serve as Toronto's catching tandem, with Arencibia the projected starter.
On the strength of his defensive tools, Jeroloman entered 2006 as the top catching prospect in college baseball. Then he hit just .242 and was just the eighth college catcher drafted that June. Pitchers love throwing to Jeroloman, the top defensive catcher in the system, because he's an above-average receiver and game caller. His average arm plays up because of his athleticism and trigger-fast release, with his throws to second base averaging 1.9 seconds. He threw out 28 percent of basestealers in 2007. Jeroloman has a sound swing but he's actually more valuable when he's not swinging the bat. He led Florida State League batters with 85 walks and finished second with a .421 on-base percentage. He offers little in the way of power or speed, though, and doesn't make enough hard contact to hit for much average. Because of his lefty bat, strike-zone discipline and impeccable defensive tools, he's a safe bet to become at least a big league backup. He'll open 2008 in Double-A.
On the strength of his defensive tools, Jeroloman entered 2006 as the top catching prospect in college baseball. Though not much was expected from him with the bat, he hit just .242 as a junior and was just the eighth college catcher drafted in June. His brother Chuck is an infielder in the Red Sox system. Brian, who signed for $165,000, came as advertised. He receives high marks for his sure hands, sound footwork and above-average blocking and receiving skills. His arm strength is above-average and he features a quick, accurate release, which he used to throw out 42 percent of basestealers. Jeroloman is agile behind the plate and has advanced game-calling skills. At the plate, Jeroloman still showed traces of a metal-bat swing, and he had trouble keeping his hands inside the ball and getting the barrel on the ball. He has below-average power and speed. While his hitting needs work, Jeroloman's lefty bat, willingness to take walks and impeccable defensive tools make for an intriguing package. He may open 2007 in low Class A in an attempt to build his confidence at the plate.