- Full name Corey Shafer
- Born
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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Shafer had one of the best lefthanded power bats in the 2002 draft, surpassed among high school players only by Prince Fielder, the Brewers' first-round pick, and Jeff Clement, the national prep career home run leader. (Clement is now at the University of Southern California, and his college commitment was the main reason he lasted until the Twins took him in the 12th round.) The Yankees had watched Shafer closely, sending as many as five scouts in to see him, so Baltimore grabbed him in the second round before the Yankees made a pick. He signed too late to play last summer. Power is the name of the game for Shafer, who generates his pop with a big, strong frame and an aggressive and fluid stroke. His bat will have to carry him, and it should. The Orioles compare him to Ryan Klesko as well as former big leaguer Dan Pasqua. He looked good in instructional league and even showed that he might be able to stay in left field. He's not a baseclogger but isn't a great runner and could end up at first base. Even though he hasn't taken the field yet in an official game, Shafer has generated excitement in an organization that needs players with breakout tools.