- Full name Aaron McNeal
- Born
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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McNeal was the Midwest League MVP in 1999, when he led the circuit with 38 homers and 131 RBIs. Those numbers plunged to 11 and 69 last year, when he skipped a level and went to Double-A. Part of the problem was an injured tendon in his right wrist, which required surgery after ending his season in mid-August. But another part of the problem is that he doesn't pull the ball, lacks the instincts to make adjustments and stubbornly resists instruction. He's more of a cripple hitter than a true power hitter who can turn around a quality fastball. He doesn't have good balance and is too aggressive at the plate. For a player with a Cecil Fielder physique, McNeal is actually pretty agile. He was named the best defensive first baseman in the Texas League last year and has surprisingly quick feet and hands. His spring-training performance will determine whether McNeal returns to Double-A or moves to Triple-A this year.
Minor League Top Prospects
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After leading the Astros organization with 38 homers in 1999, McNeal hit just 11 in 97 games after making the jump from low Class A. The raw power expected from a 6-foot-3, 230-pounder is still there, though he’ll have to show more patience and make more consistent contact to bring it out. McNeal did bat .310 for the second consecutive season. He also was named the league’s best defensive first baseman in Baseball America’s Best Tools survey. "He's very quick with his feet and hands and he throws as well, especially to start double plays, as anyone around," one scout said. "If he'd quit swinging at pitches he can't reach he'd be ready for the big leagues right now." -
McNeal had one of the most impressive offensive seasons in league history. He led the league in hits, homers and RBIs, and chased the league record for homers and RBIs in a season before falling short. He hit .318 with runners in scoring position and .341 with the bases loaded. The biggest question for McNeal will be plate discipline. He walked just 40 times while striking out 121 times. "He still has some things to improve on, but he has tremendous power," Pedrique said. "He has quick hands. He can drive the ball hard to all fields, and provided the big hit for us all season."
Scouting Reports
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After leading the Astros organization with 38 homers in 1999, McNeal hit just 11 in 97 games after making the jump from low Class A. The raw power expected from a 6-foot-3, 230-pounder is still there, though he’ll have to show more patience and make more consistent contact to bring it out. McNeal did bat .310 for the second consecutive season. He also was named the league’s best defensive first baseman in Baseball America’s Best Tools survey. "He's very quick with his feet and hands and he throws as well, especially to start double plays, as anyone around," one scout said. "If he'd quit swinging at pitches he can't reach he'd be ready for the big leagues right now."