Jason Belcher

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #30 prospect in 2004
  When the Brewers took Belcher in the 2000 draft, they had high hopes that he'd become the first quality catcher they had developed since B.J. Surhoff and David Nilsson. But he was so poor defensively--he threw out just four of 53 basestealers (8 percent) in low Class A in 2002--that they made him a full-time outfielder last year. The good news is that he continued to show promise with the bat. He has hit for average and shown a knack for getting on base throughout his pro career. He'll need to generate more power as a corner outfielder, however. Belcher also is a liability as an outfielder and might be best suited for DH. He broke his left wrist in an outfield misadventure, costing him the last six weeks of the season. The Brewers may push him to Double-A in 2004 to see how his bat responds.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #29 prospect in 2003
  The Brewers haven't had a lot of luck developing catchers since B.J. Surhoff and David Nilsson. Belcher once seemed like a good bet to stop the drought, but his stock is plummeting. Though he has a solid bat, Belcher hasn't shown that he can handle everyday catching duties. Much like Kade Johnson, a second-round pick a year ahead of him, Belcher isn't nearly as valuable when he plays another position. He spent almost as much time in the outfield last year as he did catching. He threw out just four of 53 (8 percent) basestealers, the worst rate in the Midwest League. Belcher also is limited in the outfield. He does have some pop and plate discipline, and Milwaukee hasn't given up on him behind the plate. He'll move to high Class A this year.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #18 prospect in 2002
  Belcher ranked 11th on this list after his pro debut, mostly because of the prowess he showed with the bat in Rookie ball. He again topped .300 in 2001, but it was in extremely limited action and he made absolutely no progress behind the plate. There are doubts about his ability to be an everyday catcher at higher levels, and he must prove he can handle that duty. Like Kade Johnson, his value will dip if he can't play catcher. He stayed in extended spring to work on his defense and didn't join Beloit until June. With the Snappers, he appeared in just 38 games before he broke his hand. In his 17 games behind the plate, he permitted 42 steals in 47 attempts (90 percent). Belcher is strong and has a good work ethic, and it will be up to him to get better defensively. A lefthanded-hitting catcher with pop would be welcomed in an organization hurting at that position. He has to fit that description in more than name only.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #11 prospect in 2001
  He hit for both average and power. That he bats from the left side is just an added perk. His defense is lagging at this stage, and some wondered before the draft if he might have to be moved to another position, but the Brewers want to keep him at catcher for now to see if he improves. Belcher is strong and has a solid catcher's body. He's a tough competitor who shows up to play every day and appears mature for his age. If he improves behind the plate enough to establish himself as a legitimate catcher, he could move quickly through the system because of his advanced offense. The Brewers like his work ethic, so they aren't about to make any rash decisions about whether he can handle the work defensively. He'll get a chance to catch at Beloit this season.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Pioneer League #4 prospect in 2000
  Catching was the deepest position in a deep league. There are four backstops in the Top 10, an unheard-of number. Belcher is at the top of the group, just barely. He differs from the others in that right now he's all hit and no field. He needs work in all areas defensively. "If he can catch, he's going to be a big leaguer," Hale said. "If they change his position, he's going to have to hit like he did in this league."

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Catching was the deepest position in a deep league. There are four backstops in the Top 10, an unheard-of number. Belcher is at the top of the group, just barely. He differs from the others in that right now he's all hit and no field. He needs work in all areas defensively. "If he can catch, he's going to be a big leaguer," Hale said. "If they change his position, he's going to have to hit like he did in this league."