- Full name Danny Peoples
- Born
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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The clock continues to tick for the Indians' top draft pick from 1996. Peoples has flirted with breakthrough seasons--34 homers in 1997 at Kinston, and 21 homers in each of the last two years--but never has been able to put it all together. Drafted as a first baseman, he was later moved to third base and the outfield, and now he's back at first base. Peoples has very good raw power and bat speed. He's considered a solid hitter, though he never has batted higher than .279 in the minors. Defensively, he's a good enough athlete to be tried at three different positions but not proficient enough to excel at any one of them. He's adequate at best with the glove. But his biggest problem is making consistent contact. He has struck out a combined 264 times the last two years, and has averaged one whiff per 3.3 at-bats as a pro. His age also is becoming a factor. Peoples likely will begin 2001 at Buffalo, and could be one of the first hitters called up when injuries strike the big league club. -
Background: Knee and back injuries hampered him through most of the 1998 season. Peoples was a first baseman in college, but was shifted briefly to third base as a pro before finding a home in left field. He followed a mediocre rookie season with a breakthrough 1997, hitting 34 homers in Class A. But injuries and problems adjusting to Double-A pitching have flattened out his development curve. Strengths: Peoples has outstanding raw power to all fields. He projects at either left field or first base. He has a great work ethic, is a good athlete and isn't afraid to draw a walk. Weaknesses: His big swing and homer-happy approach lead to too many strikeouts, one every 3.1 at-bats in the Indians organization. Peoples' defense is adequate at best and he has no speed. While his batting average improved this year, his power numbers declined. The Future: Peoples will start the 1999 season in left field at either Akron or Buffalo. He needs more at-bats in Double-A.