- Full name Sean Luellwitz
- Born
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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Luellwitz was part of the same Vanderbilt recruiting class as Mark Prior, and he was named Commodores MVP twice during his three years in college. Drafted in 2002 mostly because the Diamondbacks needed an extra first baseman to help fill rosters, Luellwitz tightened up his body after his pro debut by dropping 15 pounds and adding muscle. The results were positive as the Wisconsin native felt right at home in the Midwest League last year, where he ranked second in slugging and fourth in doubles while playing in a tough hitter's park. He shows a short stroke with power to all fields, though he could stand to walk more. Managers rated Luellwitz as the MWL's best defensive first baseman for his range and soft hands, and South Bend pitchers felt more comfortable with him in the lineup. He also emerged as a team leader. Luellwitz was old for low Class A at 22, but he came a long way over the course of the season and was rewarded by staying with the team during its playoff run. He could hit 30 homers in a full year at Lancaster's launching pad in 2004, but he'll probably hop to Double-A as soon as he shows he's ready.