Jared Abruzzo

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #25 prospect in 2004
  Jeff Mathis was drafted a year after Abruzzo, but blew by him last year and forced Abruzzo to take a step back to low Class A, where he had spent most of 2001. He expected to move up to Double-A to platoon with Ryan Budde, so it took some encouragement from big league manager Mike Scioscia to convince Abruzzo this was a good move for his career. He has been slow to adapt to pro ball and battled throwing problems that stunted his defensive development in 2002. He has a strong arm but erased just 23 percent of runners last year. He also needs work on his receiving and blocking skills after leading the Midwest League with 18 passed balls in 2003. Abruzzo is far more advanced offensively right now. He can drive the ball from both sides of the plate and has a knack for drawing walks. A diligent worker, he impresses the Angels with his conditioning. He's a below-average runner. Abruzzo gets down on himself at times, but the Angels are willing to be patient. He'll go to high Class A this year after playing there in 2002. He ultimately may caddy for Mathis in the majors.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #29 prospect in 2003
  Abruzzo was overshadowed by Scott Heard when they were rival catchers at San Diego high schools, and Heard went one round ahead of him in the 2000 draft. Three years later, however, Abruzzo has made significantly greater strides toward the majors. The Angels signed him for $687,500 to keep him away from Louisiana State. He spent 2002 as one of the youngest backstops in the California League, where he shared time with the defensive minded Ryan Budde. Though Abruzzo has above-average arm strength, he must improve his overall receiving skills. He has the work ethic necessary to get better, but some scouts say he's too hard on himself. He shows good pop from both sides of the plate, and unlike most reserve catchers it may be his bat rather than his defense that will carry him to the big leagues. He went to the Angels' Dominican instructional league program to work on building his confidence and concentration. With Jeff Mathis charging hard from the lower levels, Abruzzo will face stiff competition come spring training. He'll either platoon again with Budde in Double-A or back up Mathis and DH in high Class A this year.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #19 prospect in 2002
  Like the system's top-rated catching prospect, Jeff Mathis, Abruzzo is relatively inexperienced behind the plate. He split time between third base and the mound in high school. Anaheim challenged Abruzzo by sending him to low Class A as a teenager last year, then promoted him even though his performance didn't merit it. Despite his pronounced struggles at the plate in 2001, Abruzzo offers power potential from both sides of the plate. He displays a much more confident approach from the left side, while he's prone to chasing pitches from the right side. While he's making progress receiving, Abruzzo still is working on the fundamentals of catching. His arm strength is above average. He spent the offseason working out with good friend and fellow San Diego-area product Hank Blalock, the best hitting prospect in the game, and a personal trainer. He'll make a return visit to Rancho Cucamonga in 2002.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #10 prospect in 2001
  In 40 seasons the Angels have had just three all-star catchers; none since Lance Parrish in 1990. The system had no real chance to end that drought until Abruzzo signed. He ranked as the No. 5 prospect in the Pioneer League in his pro debut and has the tools to be a complete catcher. He's a switch-hitter who offers power from both sides of the plate. His 61 walks in 62 games indicate an advanced knowledge of the strike zone. Behind the plate, he's a fine receiver with a solid arm. Abruzzo began his high school career as a third baseman and is still developing as a catcher. He impressed the Angels with his desire to improve all aspects of his defense, including his game-calling and blocking skills. He also needs to improve his arm after throwing out just 23 percent of basestealers in his debut. At the plate, he'll have to make more contact. Bengie Molina had a surprising rookie season for the Angels in 2000, but he doesn't come close to Abruzzo's offensive ceiling. Abruzzo will move up to Cedar Rapids in 2001.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Pioneer League #5 prospect in 2000
  Compared to Belcher, Abruzzo represents the next gradient down in offense and the next one up in defense, a sliding scale that holds true throughout the list of catchers. His bat was rated just a tick below Belcher's, though Abruzzo has the advantage of being a switch-hitter. His defense is a bit better, though far from polished. Werner, himself a former big league catcher, offered some hope. "I think he's going to be OK behind the plate," Werner said. "He receives pretty good, has good hands."

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Compared to Belcher, Abruzzo represents the next gradient down in offense and the next one up in defense, a sliding scale that holds true throughout the list of catchers. His bat was rated just a tick below Belcher's, though Abruzzo has the advantage of being a switch-hitter. His defense is a bit better, though far from polished. Werner, himself a former big league catcher, offered some hope. "I think he's going to be OK behind the plate," Werner said. "He receives pretty good, has good hands."