Francisco Leandro

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #30 prospect in 2006
  Tampa Bay's improving minor league depth has been evidenced by the performance of the prospects ranked 30th on this list the previous two years. Second baseman Elliot Johnson (2004) and catcher John Jaso (2005) both have significantly elevated their status since, and Leandro has the potential to do the same. Leandro has hit .320 in two pro seasons since signing as a 24th-round pick out of NCAA Division II power Central Missouri State. Managers rated his strike-zone judgment the best in the Midwest League last year, and he didn't miss a beat after a midseason promotion to high Class A, where he quickly put together a 24-game hitting streak. Leandro puts solid wood on the ball and has a knack for recording extra-base hits in bunches. His strength continues to increase and should produce enough power to allow him to play on an outfield corner in the majors. Leandro runs the bases well and has slightly above-average range to go with average speed. His arm fits best in left field. In addition to his tools, the Rays also like Leandro's strong desire to excel, which he showed by playing winter ball in his native Venezuela. He should move up to Double-A in 2006.