AB 2909
AVG .24
OBP .328
SLG .431
HR 117
  • Full name Michael Lamar Burgess
  • Born 10/20/1988 in Tampa, FL
  • Profile Ht.: 5'11" / Wt.: 195 / Bats: L / Throws: L
  • School Hillsborough
  • Drafted in the C-A round (49th overall) by the Washington Nationals in 2007 (signed for $630,000).
    View Draft Report
    With huge raw power, inconsistent performance and the legacy of Hillsborough High (the alma mater of Gary Sheffield, Dwight Gooden and Elijah Dukes, among other big leaguers) as a backdrop, Burgess has become one of this draft's most debated prospects. He was a third-team All-American after batting .512 with 12 home runs as a junior, and the power translated with a wood bat last summer. Although his bat speed, strength and leveraged swing remain, Burgess' approach and set-up at the plate have puzzled scouts this spring, and he hasn't made consistent hard contact. He seems to lack focus, perhaps due in part to constant solicitation from hopeful advisers and receiving hitting lessons from former Georgia Tech star Ty Griffin and big leaguer Derek Bell. Late in the season, his timing was better and he showed glimpses of the 40-homer-hitting right fielder he could become. He's an average defender with a plus arm and below-average speed. Burgess could slip into the supplemental round, but the team that weighs his history over his senior year could pop him in the first round.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Minor League Top Prospects

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Outfield Arm in the Carolina League in 2010
  • Rated Best Outfield Arm in the Washington Nationals in 2010
  • Rated Best Outfield Arm in the Washington Nationals in 2009
  • Rated Best Outfield Arm in the South Atlantic League in 2008

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