Ivan Ochoa

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #24 prospect in 2004
  Omar Vizquel isn't the only slick-fielding Venzuelan shortstop in the organization. Ochoa, who broke into pro ball as a third baseman, is the best defensive infielder in the system. Like many young shortstops, his glove is way ahead of his bat. His range, hands and arm are all major league-quality right now, but he needs to avoid mental lapses. Sound fundamentally, he can make acrobatic plays as well as routine ones. Ochoa has 55 speed on the 20-80 scouting scale and has been a basestealing threat in the lower minors. The huge question surrounding him is how much offense he'll be able to provide. Ochoa is slim and lacks strength. He offers next to no power--he's still looking for his first homer as a pro--so he's going to have to learn how to get on base. He shows some aptitude for working counts and handling the bat, but pitchers have been able to overpower him. While his defense is so exceptional that he won't have to be a force offensively, he's going to have to hit more to have a career like Indians reserve John McDonald's. Hampered by hamstring problems in 2003, Ochoa should spend the full year in high Class A.