Brad Harman

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #20 prospect in 2008
  Harman became the Phillies' top middle-infield prospect after a strong first full season in 2005, but he couldn't recapture that magic the following year. His poor numbers at Clearwater in 2006 are attributed to his inability to make adjustments as well as an illness his father was going through back home in Australia. Harman returned to Clearwater in 2007, switching positions to second base. A line-drive hitter with gap power, he handled high Class A much better the second time around, raising his batting average by 40 points and his slugging percentage by 144. Harman also proved himself at second base. He showed up in spring training in great shape and made all the plays. After going through intense core-strength training, Harman was back playing shortstop and some third base during instructional league. He has average speed and range, slightly above-average arm strength and good hands. The Phillies added him to the 40-man roster in November and have several different options with him for 2008. The most likely is that Harman will start at second base in Double-A.
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  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #18 prospect in 2007
  The Phillies have a strong presence in Australia, and Harman is arguably the best player they've signed out of the lower Pacific Rim. Signed for $50,000, Harman started 2006 on a high note, playing in the World Baseball Classic, but it became his toughest season after his mother passed away. Things snowballed on him and he never got on track. But Harman still shows good tools. He has slightly above-average speed and some loft power with the aptitude and work ethic to improve. The Phillies believe he can stay at shortstop because of his soft hands, slightly above-average range and arm strength. His arm doesn't jump out, but it's strong and his throws are always on the money. He still needs to improve his first-step quickness at times to maximize his effectiveness defensively, and he needs to bounce back from a disappointing season at the plate. Because of what he went through personally at his age in 2006, the organization is being patient with Harman. If he has a good spring, Harman could jump into an everyday role in Double-A.
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  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #9 prospect in 2006
  The Phillies have signed several players from Australia in the last three years, and Harman rates as the best. None have commanded bonuses of more than $50,000, a welcome change from the Latin American market the organization believes has become overpriced. Harman played for Australia in the 2005 World Cup, posting a .412 on-base percentage and playing eight errorless games. An instinctive player, Harman has improved quickly because of his work ethic and ability to learn. His bat speed has increased and he now shows some loft power after filling out a bit. Harman fields balls with sure hands and smooth actions and offers a strong, accurate arm. He's better defensively than Chase Utley. Harman's speed is average at best. This limits his range, so he's working to improve his first-step quickness and reads on grounders. Philadelphia thinks Harman can play shortstop with average range, and he also has worked at second and third base. He'll continue to play mostly shortstop in high Class A in 2006, and he's at least two years away from the majors.