• Full name Jeffrey David Larish
  • Born 10/11/1982 in Iowa City, IA
  • Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: L / Throws: R
  • School Arizona State
  • Debut 05/30/2008
  • Drafted in the 5th round (150th overall) by the Detroit Tigers in 2005 (signed for $220,000).
    View Draft Report
    Larish has enjoyed a more productive senior year after a down season in 2003, when he was expected to be one of first position players drafted only to slump at the plate and tumble to the 13th round. He became the second player in Arizona State's storied history to drive in 70 runs and walk 70 times in the same season in 2003, but he seemed burdened by high expectations last year and his numbers dropped precipitously--from 18 homers in 2004 to seven, from 78 walks in 2004 to 35, from a .528 on-base percentage in 2004 to .396. He became too selective at the plate and was bothered by a hand injury. He was still offered a reported $660,000 bonus, but he chose to return for his senior year and rebounded to hit 16 home runs. While he exhibited more patience at the plate, he struggled against quality pitchers who negated his power by pounding him inside. He also struggled against anything offspeed and struck out at a higher rate than in any previous season. Scouts have scrutinized his swing as much as any player in the draft, and among the theories regarding his problems are a suspect trigger and the way he blocks off his swing. Some now question whether he'll ever hit with wood. A third baseman as a freshman, a first baseman as a sophomore and a left fielder as a junior, Larish returned to first base this year. But he may not have enough raw power to play there as a pro. Scouts either love or hate Larish, and having Scott Boras as his adviser only adds to the mystery about where he'll be picked.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Minor League Top Prospects

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Power Prospect in the International League in 2008
  • Rated Best Power Hitter in the Detroit Tigers in 2008
  • Rated Best Power Prospect in the Eastern League in 2007
  • Rated Best Strike-Zone Discipline in the Detroit Tigers in 2007
  • Rated Best Power Hitter in the Detroit Tigers in 2007
  • Rated Best Strike-Zone Discipline in the Detroit Tigers in 2006

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