Stephen Vogt

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #22 prospect in 2012
  The 27-year-old Vogt doesn't have the pedigree to rank among the top-tier prospects in a deep system like Tampa Bay's. At the same time, he has a productive bat and the versatility to play four positions, and he continues to prove he has a future at the major league level. After winning the Florida State League batting (.345) and slugging (.511) titles in 2010, he encored by leading Rays farmhands with 105 RBIs and winning the organization's minor league player of the year award last season. Signed for $6,000 as a 12th-round pick in 2007, Vogt has excellent hand-eye coordination and hitting instincts. He uses the entire field and has learned to drive the ball with his strong hands. He should have at least average power. Vogt would have more value if he projected as an everyday catcher, but most scouts see that as a stretch. He's a fringy receiver with average arm strength, and he threw out 30 percent of basestealers in 2011. He tore the labrum in his throwing shoulder in 2009 and missed most of that season. He's a well below-average runner who's adequate at first base or on the outfield corners. Tampa Bay added Vogt to its 40-man roster in November and should find a role in the majors at some point this year for a player who has the makeup and ability to produce at multiple positions.
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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #30 prospect in 2011
  At 26, Vogt is old for a prospect, particularly for the Rays. But his ability to put the bat on the ball and his ability to play multiple positions has placed him on the organization's radar. A career .448 hitter in four seasons at Azusa Pacific (Calif.), an NAIA school, Vogt signed for $6,000 as a 12th-round pick in 2007. After batting .294 in his first two pro seasons, he tore his rotator cuff in April 2009 and missed most of the season. He rebounded last year to lead the Florida State league in hitting (.345) and slugging (.511). Vogt uses the entire field and rarely wastes an at-bat. He has no trouble hanging in against lefthanders, batting .377 against them in 2010, though his modest power may preclude him from becoming a big league regular. Though his pure speed grades as below-average, Vogt has some athleticism and arm strength. He saw action at catcher, the outfield corners and first base last year. Behind the plate, he calls a good game and works well with pitchers. He threw out 31 percent of basestealers in 2010, but his exchange and pop times-- which hovered between 1.95 and 2.0 seconds last year--need improvement. His range and arm are solid in left field. Vogt earns high marks for makeup as well, winning the organization's Erik Walker community champion award, given annually to the Rays minor leaguer who best displays teamwork, sportsmanship and community involvement. His Double-A performance in 2011 will give a better indication of his long-term value, and he could emerge as a valuable reserve in Tampa Bay as soon as 2012.