Tim Federowicz

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #13 prospect in 2013
  Federowicz arrived in a three-team deal with the Red Sox and Mariners at the 2011 trade deadline. The Dodgers sent Trayvon Robinson to Seattle and got Federowicz and righthanders Stephen Fife and Juan Rodriguez from Boston. The Red Sox also received Erik Bedard and righthander Josh Fields from the Mariners and sent outfielder Chin-Hsien Chiang to Seattle. Federowicz looks like he'll be the most significant player in the trade. Playing his first full season in the system last year, he posted career bests in both on-base percentage (.371) and OPS (.832), though he did much of his damage in hitter-friendly Albuquerque, batting just .245/.331/.370 on the road. Federowicz has been hailed for his standout defense throughout his pro career and came as advertised when the Dodgers got him. He's a fine receiver who gains the trust of his pitchers with his ability block balls and call games. He has a strong arm and led the Pacific Coast League by throwing out 39 percent of basestealers last year, and Los Angeles felt his catch-and-throw ability improved. He won BA's Captain's Catcher's Award as the minors' top defender at the spot. If Federowicz carves out a big league career, it will be on the strength of his defense. He has strength and could be a double-digit home run threat, but he can get too pull-conscious and struggles with breaking pitches. The Dodgers would like to see him stay more up the middle and drive balls into the right-center field gap. He has little speed. Federowicz has little left to prove in the minors and goes into 2013 well positioned to be Los Angeles' backup catcher behind A.J. Ellis. He has the defensive chops to be a starter down the road.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #10 prospect in 2012
  The Dodgers entered 2011 sorely lacking in catching prospects. They addressed that need through the draft and by getting Federowicz, who arrived along with righthanders Stephen Fife and Juan Rodriguez in the three-team deal that sent Eric Bedard from the Mariners to the Red Sox in July. Los Angeles sent Trayvon Robinson to Seattle. Federowicz always has been known for his defense more than his bat. His hands work well behind the plate and his ability to block balls stands out as well. He has outstanding receiving skills and a solid, accurate arm. He also draws praise for his game-calling and leadership. Federowicz put up the best numbers of his pro career in his month at hitterfriendly Albuquerque, showing good feel at the plate and loft power he hadn't displayed previously. Most scouts project that he'll hit for a decent average with gap power but nothing more. He gets himself out when he starts pulling off breaking pitches. He has a stocky frame and is a below-average runner, like most catchers. Rod Barajas' departure via free agency enhances Federowicz's chances of opening 2012 in the majors, though it's unlikely the Dodgers would hand him their starting job. His defensive ability may allow him to claim that role down the road.
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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #21 prospect in 2011
  Federowicz doesn't have Ryan Lavarnway's bat, but there aren't any questions as to whether he can remain behind the plate. He's the best defensive catcher in the system, with average arm strength that plays up because of his good footwork and quick transfer and release. He consistently produces 1.9-2.0 second pop times and threw out 33 percent of basestealers in 2010. He has improved his receiving since turning pro, and his intelligence and leadership are assets behind the plate. Federowicz opened eyes by batting .345/.393/.562 in low Class A to start 2009, but he has hit .254/.309/.377 in high Class A since. Though he has a decent idea of the strike zone and manages his at-bats well, his offensive ceiling is probably a .260 hitter with gap power. He runs well for a catcher but still has below-average speed. The Red Sox would like Federowicz to get a little quicker and in a little better shape. He and Lavarnway will share catching duties in Double-A to start the season.
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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #22 prospect in 2010
  The Red Sox have been searching for a while to find a successor to Jason Varitek, though they bought themselves some time by trading for Victor Martinez last summer. Their current best hope for a homegrown catcher of the future is Federowicz. He's the best defensive backstop in the system. With average arm strength and a quick transfer and release, he threw out 31 percent of basestealers last season. He got accustomed to handling quality stuff while catching for first-round pitchers Daniel Bard, Andrew Miller and Alex White at North Carolina, and he has improved his receiving mechanics since turning pro. He has strong leadership skills and calls a good game. How much Federowicz hits will determine whether he's a regular or a backup in the major leagues. Even after he batted .305/.341/.484 in his first full pro season--despite a 4-for-53 (.075) slump in July after he was promoted to high Class A--scouts still aren't sure how much he'll hit for average or power. He's a streaky hitter who can get pull-happy, but he has a short stroke and doesn't hook many balls foul. He has power to his pull side. He made good contact against Class A pitching, but more advanced hurlers can exploit his lack of patience at the plate. He runs better than many catchers but has below-average speed. Federowicz will return to Salem to start 2010, with an excellent chance for a midseason promotion.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked South Atlantic League #14 prospect in 2009
  Federowicz, who played on two College World Series teams at North Carolina, was the SAL's best defensive catcher. His arm grades out as slightly above average, but it plays up because he has a lightning-quick release and he threw out 29 percent of basestealers. He blocks balls well to and is adept at running a pitching staff. Federowicz has strong hands and a quick swing that generates gap-to-gap power, with home run potential down the line. His strike-zone discipline is above average, and he has solid speed for a catcher. Though he struggled offensively after a June promotion to high Class A Salem, he hit so well at Greenville (.345/.393/.562) that he drew some support as the league's best prospect. "Teams are always looking for catchers, and this guy can do it," Lexington manager Tom Lawless said. "He's a legitimate guy. He can catch and throw and hit, so you've really got something going here."

• December, 2011 Scouting Report
  Background: The Dodgers entered 2011 sorely lacking in catching prospects. They addressed that need through the draft and by getting Federowicz, who arrived in the three-team deal that sent Erik Bedard from the Mariners to the Red Sox in July. Los Angeles sent Trayvon Robinson to Seattle. Scouting Report: Federowicz always has been known for his defense more than his bat. His hands work well behind the plate and his ability to block balls stands out. He has outstanding receiving skills and a solid, accurate arm. Federowicz put up the best numbers of his pro career in his month at hitter-friendly Albuquerque, showing good feel at the plate and loft power. Most scouts project that he'll hit for a decent average with gap power but nothing more. He gets himself out when he starts pulling off breaking pitches. He has a stocky frame and is a below-average runner, like most catchers. The Future: Rod Barajas' departure via free agency enhances Federowicz's chances of opening 2012 in the majors, though it's unlikely the Dodgers would just hand him their starting job. His defensive ability may allow him to claim that role down the road.