AB 2118
AVG .276
OBP .333
SLG .38
HR 23
  • Full name Ryan Joseph Sweeney
  • Born 02/20/1985 in Cedar Rapids, IA
  • Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: L / Throws: L
  • School Xavier
  • Debut 09/01/2006
  • Drafted in the 2nd round (52nd overall) by the Chicago White Sox in 2003 (signed for $785,000).
    View Draft Report
    Sweeney has an opportunity to go in the latter part of the first round, but his lackluster performance at the Perfect Game predraft showcase may knock him down into the second. With a 6-foot-5, 200-pound build, high-80s fastball and promising curveball, he has plenty of pitching potential. But the consensus is that his future is as an outfielder. Besides his size, his bat, power potential and arm strength are all plus tools. He's comparable to Brewers minor league slugger Brad Nelson, a fourth-round pick out of an Iowa high school two years ago. Sweeney doesn't have quite as much juice in his bat and can get more pull-conscious, but he's more athletic and looks more fluid at the plate. He also can play right field, while Nelson is most likely a first baseman. Sweeney's best chance to become Iowa's first prep first-rounder may come from the Twins, who like big, strong Midwest players, or the Braves, who have two supplemental picks.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Minor League Top Prospects

Top 100 Rankings

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Defensive Outfielder in the Chicago White Sox in 2007
  • Rated Best Hitter for Average in the Chicago White Sox in 2007
  • Rated Best Outfield Arm in the Chicago White Sox in 2006
  • Rated Best Outfield Arm in the Chicago White Sox in 2005
  • Rated Best Hitter for Average in the Chicago White Sox in 2005

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