Drafted in the 3rd round (78th overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2008 (signed for $515,000).
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Jefferies was one of the nation's toughest hitters to strike out and helped drive the Aggies toward a possible regional bid in their first season of eligibility since moving up from Division II. Jefferies' offensive approach will need tweaking as he gets stronger, because now he's interested mostly in making contact rather than driving the ball. He's a solid athlete and an average runner. Defensively, Jefferies impresses scouts with his solid-average catch-and-throw ability. He has good feet and is a quiet receiver, with a fringe-average but accurate arm. While Jefferies doesn't have any true above-average tools, he also lacks any glaring weaknesses, and for a catcher that makes him a good bet to be drafted in the first five rounds.
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Jefferies shared Big West Conference player of the year honors in 2008, then had a solid pro debut after the Rays drafted him in the third round. An offensive-minded catcher, he's a contact-oriented hitter who should improve as he learns the nuances of how pitchers are trying to attack him. After being tough to strike out in college, he often went out of the strike zone early in the count last year, which took a toll on his batting average and overall production. He uses the entire field and could hit for more power as his approach improves. Jefferies arrived in spring training last year too bulky and tight after an offseason of weight training, which affected his throwing. Once he reduced his bulk and his entire body became looser, he made steady strides, dropping his pop times from a well below-average 2.3 seconds to a fringy 2.0. He threw out 26 percent of basestealers. Jefferies has focused on becoming more agile, and his footwork, blocking ability and overall quickness behind the plate improved. He works well with pitchers and calls a good game. Though he has below-average speed, he runs well for a catcher and has good instincts. Jefferies successfully made several adjustments last year, setting up for a solid season in high Class A in 2010.
Jefferies wasn't well known in scouting circles prior to his junior season, which coincided with UC Davis' first year with full-fledged NCAA Division I status. He set a school record with 96 hits, was one of college baseball's toughest hitters to strike out (11 whiffs in 248 at-bats) and was named Big West Conference co-player of the year. A third-round pick who signed for $515,000, Jefferies doesn't have an overwhelming tool. But his total package is greater than the sum of his individual parts. He's a contact hitter who bats out of a slight crouch from the left side. He puts the barrel of the bat on the ball with impressive consistency, though he has yet to hit for significant home run power. He uses the entire field and has the frame to drive the ball as he continues to make adjustments to wood bats. Behind the plate, Jefferies has fringe-average arm strength and good accuracy on his throws. He erased just 17 percent of basestealers in his pro debut. He has a quiet set-up and solid footwork, and he receives and blocks the ball well. Jefferies also runs well for a catcher and is a smart baserunner, though his overall speed rates a tick or two below average. With his solid athleticism and plus hand-eye coordination, Jefferies has a chance to be at least a backup catcher at the major league level. He'll open his first full pro season in low Class A.
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