Travis Schlichting

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #14 prospect in 2009
  Tampa Bay drafted Schlichting, a high school teammate of John Danks, with the first pick of the fourth round in 2003--as a lanky infielder. He played third base in the Rays and Angels systems (he was traded for Josh Paul) and eventually tried as a pitcher for five games in rookie ball 2006 before being released. He signed on with the independent Kansas City T-Bones as a pitcher and was spotted by the Dodgers. Scouting director Logan White remembered seeing Schlichting pitch once as a high schooler, and after Texas area scout Chris Smith worked out Schlichting, the Dodgers signed him in November 2007 to fill in at Double-A. There he established himself as a prospect, earning a spot on the 40-man roster this fall. Tall and strong, Schlichting throws 90-94 mph with heavy armside, bat-breaking sink from a three-quarters arm slot. He complements his fastball with an 84-86 mph slider that can have tilt and bite. His slider lacks consistency and his fastball lacks command, For a converted player, especially, he is aggressive and confident on the mound. He went to the Arizona Fall League to accelerate his development as a pitcher and work on adding depth to his slider and picked up the first three saves of his career. He's intriguing as a potential future closer though he most likely fits into a middle relief role.
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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #15 prospect in 2005
  Several members of Tampa Bay's front office believe that Schlichting is on the verge of a breakthrough season in 2005.They think he's further along in his development than Elliot Johnson was at the same point in his career. A pure tools performer who moved from shortstop in high school to third base in pro ball, Schlicting overcame a tough start last year to salvage a respectable season at the plate. He has made the adjustments from swinging an aluminum bat as an amateur. He has a quick and potentially powerful bat from the right side, and he hits lefties and righties equally well. Once he fills out his lanky frame, he should be much more of a threat at the plate. Schlichting possesses solid speed and very good baserunning instincts. His reactions, soft hands and strong arm make him a natural at third base. Slowed at times by a strained oblique muscle in 2004, Schlichting may return to low Class A at the beginning of this year, allowing him to build some confidence. They Rays had positive results when they did the same thing with Wes Bankston, Johnson and Jason Pridie last season.
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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #20 prospect in 2004
  Schlichting was a two-way star at Round Rock (Texas) High, which spent most of the spring ranked No.1 in the nation. He played shortstop and served as the No. 3 starter behind Rangers first-rounder John Danks and White Sox fifth-rounder Matt Nachreiner. Moved to third base after signing for $400,000, Schlichting has all the tools to become a premium performer at the hot corner. He struggled offensively in Rookie balls, revealing some flaws in his swing that carried over from using aluminum bats. But he has quick hands and should be able to adjust, becoming a solid average hitter with plus power. His bat speed is excellent and he hits the ball with authority. Scouts love Schlichting's lean body, which should fill out nicely once he adds muscle with maturity. He has good actions for the left side of the infield, and he possesses above-average arm strength with good accuracy. Schlichting will move up to low Class A in 2004.