Adam Piatt

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Oakland Athletics #15 prospect in 1999

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Pacific Coast League #16 prospect in 2000
  A year after winning a Double-A Texas League triple crown, Piatt bounced between Triple-A and Oakland. He more than held his own in the majors, though he found playing time hard to come by. His problem is he fits the same profile as several Athletics hitters: He’s a masher who doesn’t stand out defensively. Piatt has no problems hitting for average or driving the ball into the gaps. His competitive instincts are unquestioned, though he was more aggressive at the plate in 2000, walking less and striking out more than in the past. He’ll be more effective if he can regain his previous approach. Piatt isn’t a bad athlete, but he isn’t cut out for third base, the position he played when he signed out of Mississippi State. Eric Chavez's presence in Oakland makes that point moot anyway. Piatt is more of an outfielder-first baseman, and he could win the right-field job next year if the A’s don’t pick up Matt Stairs’ contract option.
• 
  Ranked Texas League #9 prospect in 1999
  Piatt achieved the TL's first triple crown since 1927, so his offensive credentials are well-established. Yes, he played in Midland, which certainly accounts for some of his power numbers. One manager said a natural dip in his swing, which caused him to uppercut balls, made him a natural in windy West Texas. But plenty of other people have played there since 1927, and none of them achieved what Piatt did. "He's doing something right," Maloney said. Piatt's third professional season was a breakout year. He led the league in several offensive categories and shot up the prospect charts. The question remaining for Piatt is: Where will he play? His defense at third base needs improvement, and the Athletics have Eric Chavez. Piatt's bat may get him to the big leagues. He'll have to improve his glovework to find a home there.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #93 prospect in 2000

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  A year after winning a Double-A Texas League triple crown, Piatt bounced between Triple-A and Oakland. He more than held his own in the majors, though he found playing time hard to come by. His problem is he fits the same profile as several Athletics hitters: He’s a masher who doesn’t stand out defensively. Piatt has no problems hitting for average or driving the ball into the gaps. His competitive instincts are unquestioned, though he was more aggressive at the plate in 2000, walking less and striking out more than in the past. He’ll be more effective if he can regain his previous approach. Piatt isn’t a bad athlete, but he isn’t cut out for third base, the position he played when he signed out of Mississippi State. Eric Chavez's presence in Oakland makes that point moot anyway. Piatt is more of an outfielder-first baseman, and he could win the right-field job next year if the A’s don’t pick up Matt Stairs’ contract option.
• December, 1998 Scouting Report
  Piatt achieved the TL's first triple crown since 1927, so his offensive credentials are well-established. Yes, he played in Midland, which certainly accounts for some of his power numbers. One manager said a natural dip in his swing, which caused him to uppercut balls, made him a natural in windy West Texas. But plenty of other people have played there since 1927, and none of them achieved what Piatt did. "He's doing something right," Maloney said. Piatt's third professional season was a breakout year. He led the league in several offensive categories and shot up the prospect charts. The question remaining for Piatt is: Where will he play? His defense at third base needs improvement, and the Athletics have Eric Chavez. Piatt's bat may get him to the big leagues. He'll have to improve his glovework to find a home there.