- Full name Mike Darr
- Born 03/21/1976 in Corona, CA
- Died 02/15/2002 in Phoenix, AZ
- Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: L / Throws: R
- Debut 05/23/1999
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Background: In two years since being acquired from the Tigers for the Jody Reed, Darr has batted .327 with 209 runs and 184 RBIs. Strengths: Darr is a five-tool athlete, if you include the raw power he can generate from his muscular frame. He has patterned his swing after Tony Gwynn, so he's adept at staying back on the ball and driving pitches up the middle and to the opposite field. Darr has the speed to play a solid center field, although he projects as a right fielder in the big leagues. His arm grades out as a 7 on the scouts' 8-point scale. Weaknesses: Darr throws his hips at the plate, severely limiting his ability to pull balls and generate power. He had only six homers in 1998. The Padres have not pressed him to adjust, trusting his power will evolve with maturity and pitch recognition. The Future: Darr has already been penciled in as Gwynn's successor in right field when the future Hall of Famer steps aside. Darr's skills and athletic ability are such that he may force himself into the lineup somewhere else.