Bill McCarthy
| AB | 2268 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .274 |
| OBP | .348 |
| SLG | .415 |
| HR | 55 |
- Full name William Joseph McCarthy
- Born 12/02/1979 in Voorhees, NJ
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Rutgers
- Drafted in the 6th round (195th overall) by the Atlanta Braves in 2001.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Charles Thomas wasn't the only Richmond outfielder to have a breakthrough season in 2004. McCarthy did as well, and with Thomas sent to Oakland in the Tim Hudson trade, he has a chance to make the Braves. He advanced to Double-A to start his second full season, but a hand injury ended his 2003 in July. He bounced back last year, once again displaying good pop and the ability to drive the ball to all fields. He could develop into a 20-25 home run hitter. McCarthy is also a smart and aggressive baserunner with decent range in the outfield. His arm is strong enough for right field, but his future in the majors probably lies in left. Atlanta added McCarthy to its 40-man roster for the first time in November. He hit .379 against lefthanders in 2004, though his chances of serving the Braves in a platoon role took a hit when they signed veterans Brian Jordan and Raul Mondesi. -
McCarthy joined Adam Stern and Mailon Kent, fellow Braves college outfielders selected in the 2001 draft, in spending his first full pro season in high Class A. He outperformed Stern and Kent, leading Myrtle Beach in doubles, RBIs and total bases. McCarthy has good pop and drives the ball to all fields. He stands close to the plate, which allows him to cover the full strike zone and also makes him a magnet for pitches (he was hit 23 times last year). He runs well on the basepaths and is steady in the outfield, committing only one error last year. McCarthy's arm is strong enough for right field, but his power potential isn't quite what big league clubs want at the position. He's not fast enough to play center in the majors, though he does get good jumps on balls. McCarthy has the tools and the makeup to play in the majors if he continues to improve his all-around game. His development will continue this year in Double-A.
