ProfileHt.: 5'11" / Wt.: 165 / Bats: L / Throws: R
School
West Covina
Drafted in the 14th round (403rd overall) by the Detroit Tigers in 2004.
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Organization Prospect Rankings
The Diamondbacks aren't exactly looking for catchers in the big leagues, but they liked Skelton's package of skills so much that they took him in the major league Rule 5 draft from the Tigers. Skelton has been a productive offensive player in the Tigers system, and his on-base skills are off the charts. He hit .302 overall in 2008, the third straight season he has batted .300 or better, and he has good plate discipline and a patient approach. He's a singles hitter who offers little power. Skelton wasn't a bigger priority for the Tigers because it's not clear he will end up as a big league catcher. He has a small, slender body and isn't a great receiver. He has a strong arm and threw out 38 percent of basestealers last season, and he also showed improvement in handling pitchers last season. Arizona likes him as an offensive, athletic catcher, though he probably doesn't profile as an everyday player. He'll get a look at other positions in spring training, and the Diamondbacks will try to carry him as a third catcher who can play all over the field and get on base as a pinch-hitter. If they don't keep him, Skelton will have to be placed on waivers and offered back to the Tigers for half his $50,000 draft price.
For an organization with little catching depth, Skelton has been a revelation--and a lefthanded-hitting one at that. Skelton was rarely mentioned among the Tigers' top prospects during his first three years in the system, but he put together a 2007 season that was too impressive to ignore. With a pure swing, sound approach and good eye, he finished fifth in the Midwest League batting race at .309. He hasn't hit for much power but takes pitches the other way and gets the most out of his below-average speed. The Tigers aren't sure about Skelton's defensive projection, and he did play briefly at first base last year. Given the catching shortage across baseball today, though, Skelton will likely have every chance to continue at the position. He has a slender build, which raises questions about his durability. His arm strength is average at best, but his throws have good backspin and he erased 43 percent of basestealers last year. He needs to improve on blocking balls, though he has soft hands and calls a good game. Skelton is a smart player whose physical tools should improve over time. He'll advance to high Class A in 2008.
Best Tools List
Rated Best Strike-Zone Discipline in the Detroit Tigers in 2009
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