- Full name J.T. Stotts
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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After embracing a utility role last year, Stotts impressed the Athletics with his versatility. The Yankees also were attracted to his plate discipline, which is why they sought him in the Chris Hammond trade. A well-rounded athlete who was a two-time league MVP as a 5-foot-10 point guard in high school, Stotts lacks natural middle-infield actions and is an average runner with an average arm. While he doesn't show enough range or footwork to play shortstop on a daily basis, his instincts are solid and he makes routine plays. After signing in 2001, he initially had trouble adjusting to wood bats. Now he profiles as a No. 2 hitter who can make consistent contact, advance runners and get on base. With the Yankees stacked at shortstop at the full-season level and Robinson Cano ticketed for second base in Trenton, Stotts will start at third base and hone his utilityman skills in Double-A this year. -
Stotts was something of a Southern California prep legend at Newhall's William Hart High, winning league MVP honors in both baseball and basketball as a senior. When he and fellow A's shortstop prospects Bobby Crosby and Mike Rouse were all in the Big West Conference in 2001, Stotts topped the trio with a .409 batting average and tied Rouse for the lead with 12 homers. However, Stotts rarely has shown the ability to hit for power as a pro and best profiles as a singles-hitting, defensive-oriented shortstop. He does help himself by drawing walks and knowing how to use his plus speed on the bases. A gifted and graceful defender, Stotts has shown the hands, range and arm to play shortstop at the major league level. He still makes too many mistakes, with 56 errors in 195 pro games, though the A's expect his inconsistency to be resolved by experience. If Crosby returns to Double-A and/or Rouse remains at shortstop, Stotts will head back to high Class A to start 2003.