Trayvon Robinson Stats & Scouting Report

AB	288
AVG	.215
OBP	.272
SLG	.33
HR	5

Full name Trayvon Andrew Dwayne Robinson
Born 09/01/1987 in Los Angeles, CA
Profile Ht.: 5'10" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: S / Throws: R
School Crenshaw
Debut 08/05/2011
Drafted in the 10th round (316th overall) by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2005 (signed for $50,000).

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

A product of MLB's RBI program, Robinson played at Los Angeles' Crenshaw High, whose notable baseball alumni include former all-stars Chris Brown, Darryl Strawberry and Ellis Valentine. Robinson has made steady progress in the minors, improving his on-base percentage in each of his four years in full-season leagues. Placed on the 40-man roster after a breakout 2009 season, he ranked third in the Southern League in OBP (.404) and steals (38) last year. Robinson is loaded with athleticism and could have four average or better tools. A righthanded hitter when he signed, he's now a switch-hitter with bat speed, loft and average power from both sides of the plate. He should be able to hit for a solid average as well, thanks to his plus speed and improved approach. His strikeout totals remain high, however, as he usually takes aggressive hacks rather than settling for putting the ball in play. Robinson has improved his basestealing technique but still can make further gains. He has above-average range and a fringy arm in center field. If the Dodgers decide to trade Matt Kemp, Robinson could be his successor in center field. He needs a full season in Triple-A before he's ready for his big league debut.
Robinson played at Los Angeles' Crenshaw High, alma mater of former all-stars Chris Brown, Darryl Strawberry and Ellis Valentine. He earned a spot on the Dodgers' 40-man roster in November after setting career highs in most categories and ranking second in the high Class A California League with 43 steals. A veritable tool shed, Robinson boosted his stock by showing power for the first time last season, hitting 17 homers after totaling 12 in his first four pro seasons. He has made significant improvements with his swing from the left side and his approach. His plus-plus speed makes him a stolen-base threat and gives him range in center field. Robinson needs more discipline at the plate to avoid being exploited by more advanced pitchers. He chases too many pitches out of the zone and falls in love with his newfound power at times. His arm is slightly below-average, though that's not a problem in center field. He can have a hot temper, though his outbursts are becoming fewer. After taking a major step forward last season, Robinson will open 2010 back in Double-A with the chance for a midseason promotion. He's been added to the 40-man roster and if he continues his rapid progress, he'll be knocking on the door of the major leagues in 2011.

Minor League Top Prospects

Robinson has made a lot of progress turning his considerable tools into skills the past couple of seasons. His improvement is notable in his on-base percentage, which rose from .328 in 2008 to .373 last year and .404 this season. A switch-hitter, Robinson shows bat speed from both sides of the plate. Though he'll still chase some pitches out of the strike zone, he stays inside the ball well and has gap power. He uses his plus speed to bunt for hits and steal bases, though he's still honing his instincts on the bases. Robinson's speed also plays well in center field, where gets good jumps and takes solid routes. He has average arm strength and aggressively charges balls, enabling him to record 12 assists this year.
Robinson was a hot topic of conversation among scouts at the Aflac All-American High School Baseball Classic at Petco Park in August. When told Robinson would be on our Cal League Top 20, one National League scout said: "He'd better be! And no one was sure he would hit coming out of high school." A graduate of Los Angeles' Crenshaw High, Robinson brought remarkable speed, a volatile temper and questionable bat into pro ball. He's still a plus-plus runner progress and retains some rough edges, but the overall transformation has been remarkable. A career .266 hitter coming into the year, he batted .306 with Inland Empire and finished one steal behind Gillies with 43. He has some surprising pop, though it gets him into trouble because he gets power-conscious. He's a fine defender in center fielder with a fringe-average arm. "Robinson gets better every year," another scout said. "The ball jumps off his bat, but he strikes out too much. He is way too good an athlete to strike out that much. He should look to go gap to gap more."