ProfileHt.: 5'10" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: S / Throws: R
School
Alexandria-Monroe
Debut06/30/2004
Drafted in the 5th round (163rd overall) by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 1998.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
When the Rockies traded Mike Myers to the Diamondbacks in January 2002, minor league slugger Jack Cust appeared to be the key to the deal for Colorado. While Cust has washed out, the second player the Rockies received is poised to become their starting catcher. Closser is a switch-hitter with decent power from both sides. He should hit for a solid average as long as he doesn't become too pull-conscious. He's an average runner, good for a catcher, but his lower half is becoming stockier as he puts in more time behind the plate. Closser has solid arm strength but gets erratic with his throwing when he starts to rush his footwork and exchange. He threw out just 22 percent of basestealers in Triple-A and 21 percent in the majors, so he's going to have to work at staying under control mechanically. Closser has become a better signal caller, thanks to the help of former big league catcher Marv Foley, his minor league manager the last two years, and Colorado Springs pitching coach Bob McClure in 2004. Closser never has received much attention as a prospect, but he has turned himself into an offensive threat after a slow start to his career.
Considered the lesser prospect in the January 2002 trade that sent Mike Myers to Arizona, Closser will do more for the Rockies than Jack Cust, who was considered the key to the deal. Cust since has been passed on to the Orioles, while Closser projects as Colorado's starting catcher in 2005. He has benefited from playing for catchers-turned-managers P.J. Carey and Marv Foley the last two seasons, earning Texas League all-star honors in 2003. Closser is a switch-hitter with power from both sides. He overswings at times, which is unnecessary because he has the bat speed to hit good fastballs, though he has shown the patience to draw walks. Closser plays full speed ahead. He's good at blocking the plate as well as balls in the dirt, and he has improved his game-calling. He has ample arm strength but is erratic with his throws because he needs better footwork and mechanics. Nevertheless, he ranked fifth in the Texas League by erasing 33 percent of basestealers. He has below-average speed but runs better than many catchers. Closser is ready for Triple-A after two years at Double-A and a winter assignment in the Dominican Republic.
Outfielder Jack Cust was the more ballyhooed prospect the Rockies received from the Diamondbacks for Mike Myers in January 2001, but Closser looks like he'll turn out to be more valuable. He's easily the most advanced catching prospect in the system. A switch-hitter with power from both sides of the plate, Closser spent the bulk of his time last year batting cleanup for Carolina. He shows good patience, though at times he becomes too pull-conscious. Closser relishes working with pitchers. He has natural quickness and arm strength, but he sometimes overthrows and hurts his accuracy. He threw out just 26 percent of basestealers in 2002. After splitting catching duties with Jason Dewey last year, Closser will get the bulk of the playing time in Triple-A in 2003. He should arrive in the big leagues next season.
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