Vinny Rottino

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #29 prospect in 2007
  Just over three years ago, Rottino went undrafted despite an all-American D-III career at Wisconsin-LaCrosse and had enrolled at University of Wisconsin's pharmaceutical school while playing in the Land O' Lakes baseball league. He worked out for several teams, before signing with the Brewers. He earned the organization's minor league player of the year in 2004 and parlayed his.303 career minor league average into a major league call-up in September. Rottino's calling card is his bat, though he's more of a gap hitter than a home run threat, which may preclude him from being an everyday player. His versatility, however, virtually assures big league time and he enhances his value in that department last year by being a passable catcher. A former college shortstop, he has seen time at third base, first base and the corner outfield slots. Rottino showed improvement behind the plate, with a strong arm and physique for the position. He threw out eight of 25 basestealers (32 percent) in Triple-A last season but just one of 16 (6 percent) in the Arizona Fall League. His best position is probably third base, where he handles himself well. With a short, smooth stroke and the ability to put the ball in play, he should make a decent utility player at the top level.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #28 prospect in 2006
  Rottino had enrolled in the University of Wisconsin's pharmacy program when he signed with the Brewers, and his drive and intelligence quickly made him an organization favorite. Club officials consider him the hardest worker in the system, and he already has exceeded expectations for a nondrafted free agent. He was Milwaukee's 2004 minor league player of the year and reached Triple-A in 2005. Rottino finished the year as Prince Fielder's replacement in the Arizona Fall League. The Brewers challenged Rottino last year by jumping him to Double-A, then by having him play almost exclusively at catcher to start the season. He never had caught extensively prior to instructional league in 2004, and he impressed enough to get the shot. He still has work to do behind the plate (six passed balls in 22 games), but he has enough arm strength and the body for the position. He's not an everyday option there, however. He's a solid defender at third base, his best position, and can fill in as a corner outfielder. Rottino's power took a hit as he faced more advanced pitching, but he has a low-maintenance, line-drive swing and makes consistent contact. He's not far from being a solid big league utilityman.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #29 prospect in 2005
  Rottino hit .410 at Wisconsin-La Crosse to earn NCAA Division III all-America honors in 2002, but that wasn't enough to get him drafted. He enrolled in pharmacy school at Wisconsin and played in the semipro Land O' Lakes League. Signed as a nondrafted free agent before the 2003 season, Rottino was the Brewers' minor league player of the year in 2004. He broke Prince Fielder's Beloit record for RBIs, leading the Midwest League as well, and capped his season by playing all nine positions on the final day of the season. He even pitched a perfect ninth inning. Though at age 24 he was much older than the typical low Class A player, Rottino showed legitimate offensive tools. He has quick hands, good balance and a knack for putting the bat on the ball. He has good pop but is more of a gap hitter than a slugger, and he could stand to draw a few more walks. Rottino's biggest problem is that he hasn't found a position. He spent most of last year at DH, and even before the final day he saw playing time at left field, right field, third base, first base, second base and catcher. Milwaukee brought Rottino to instructional league to try to make a catcher out of him. He looked OK behind the plate, but the club ultimately decided to make him a super utility player. He'll be 25 this season, so he needs to show what he can do in Double-A.