Luis Jimenez
| AB | 17 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .059 |
| OBP | .111 |
| SLG | .059 |
| HR | 0 |
- Full name Luis Antonio Jimenez
- Born 05/07/1982 in Bobare, Venezuela
- Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 280 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- Debut 09/04/2012
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Jimenez spent three seasons in the Athletics organization before he was released in 2001, reportedly because of a confrontation with a coach. The Orioles have been happy with him on the field and off, and he won the Rookie-level Appalachian League batting title in 2002. Jimenez is a natural hitter, with a level swing and bat speed that should produce power to all fields. The ball jumps off his bat, and he showed the ability to make adjustments as the season went on. He runs better than average for a player his size and shows good baserunning instincts. Any questions about Jimenez' past have been resolved to the Orioles' satisfaction. He'll have to keep his body in good shape and avoid gaining weight. He has to avoid trying to pull everything, which causes his swing to get long. Over the long haul he'll focus on first base, where he has good footwork, and less on the outfield. Much like Rodrigo Lopez provided a pleasant surprise in the big leagues, Jimenez fell into the Orioles' laps and now is one of their best batting prospects. He could start out at either of Baltimore's Class A affiliates to begin 2003.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Released by the Athletics last September, Jimenez came from nowhere to win the league's batting title. He showed outstanding bat control and excellent bat speed with impressive power to all fields. Some managers were concerned about Jimenez's tendency to try to pull too many pitches, but his results speak for themselves. "He can hit balls over the outfield lights," Figueroa said. Jimenez split his time between first base and the outfield. He has quick hands on defense, and also shows good speed and instincts. The biggest concern managers had was his weight, which could increase rapidly if left unmonitored. "He's a great hitter and a good runner," Lopez said. "I see him as a first baseman, but he could be a fourth or fifth outfielder in the major leagues."
