Valentino Pascucci

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Washington Nationals #16 prospect in 2004
  After leading the Eastern League with 27 homers in 2002, Pascucci graduated to the Pacific Coast League, where he placed second with a .419 on-base percentage. Pascucci has a large frame and generates excellent leverage with power to all fields, but his ability to draw walks has also made him somewhat passive at the plate. Instead of feasting on pitches he could drive, Pascucci watched too many go by for strikes as he piled up a career-high 132 whiffs. Despite playing in more favorable parks, he dipped to 15 homers. His speed and arm are average, and he's adequate at right field and first base. Like Sledge, he might have been recalled in September had the Expos been permitted to expand their roster. With the Expos' offseason acquisitions at first base and in the outfield, Pascucci likely won't win a big league job in 2004 and could return to Triple-A.
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  Ranked Washington Nationals #18 prospect in 2003
  Pascucci led the Eastern League with 27 homers last year, but it wasn't a totally impressive season. He was repeating the EL, had only 15 other extra-base hits and hit just .235. Then again, Pascucci contributes to an offense far beyond his batting average. He draws lots of walks and uses his lanky frame to generate excellent leverage and power to all fields. He has good plate coverage and doesn't strike out as much as his batting average and homer totals might indicate. Defensively, he has one of the strongest outfield arms in the system. He has average speed. Because the Expos have a void at first base, they'll give Pascucci more time there this year while he's at their new Triple-A Edmonton affiliate.
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  Ranked Washington Nationals #20 prospect in 2002
  In an effort to increase his versatility, the Expos had Pascucci play exclusively at first base in the Arizona Fall League. He had been primarily a corner outfielder, but with Vladimir Guerrero and Brad Wilkerson ticketed for those spots in the majors, the team is looking at ways to get Pascucci's bat in the lineup. He's a good athlete who can hit the ball a long ways. He has good plate coverage and discipline, and a short stroke with nice extension for someone his size. With all those tools, he must produce more than he did in 2001, when he hit .244 (and .228 against righthanders) with just 39 extra-base hits. A former pitcher, Pascucci has an above-average arm with good carry and pinpoint accuracy. Three of his throws where clocked at 94 mph from the outfield in spring training. He has average speed and is intelligent on the bases, though he has a choppy stride when he runs. Pascucci could be in line to replace incumbent Lee Stevens at first base in 2003.
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  Ranked Washington Nationals #20 prospect in 2001
  Pascucci starred in baseball, basketball and water polo in high school, and turned down the Brewers as a 10th-round pick in 1996 to attend Oklahoma. Primarily a pitcher for the Sooners, he caught the eye of Expos area scout Joe Jordan while playing the outfield as a freshman. Pascucci has had no problems hitting as a pro, showing the ability to drive the ball out of any part of the park. He also has exceptional discipline at the plate and average speed on the bases. He does have the long swing expected from a player his size, so he can get tied up by balls in on his hands. Pascucci has adequate range and a plus arm that makes him a right fielder. He'll have to keep proving himself, and he has earned the chance to do so in Double-A this season.