Russ Jacobson

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #15 prospect in 2001
  A member of Miami's 1999 College World Series champions, Jacobson didn't play in Omaha because he was sidelined with a broken hand. A much-improved commodity in scout's eyes before the injury, the big receiver hit .380 for the Hurricanes and was regarded as one of the draft's best defensive players before the Phillies nabbed him in the third round. When he was healthy enough to make his pro debut in 2000, he lived up to his billing as a catcher. Jacobson sets a good target for pitchers and works well with them. Basestealers will have to run at their own risk, as he owns excellent arm strength that produces good carry on his throws. He has raw power potential that's really evident in batting practice, when he tattoos pitches and the ball jumps off of his bat. In games, pro pitchers were able to exploit his long swing and questionable strike-zone judgment. If he can address those weaknesses in the Florida State League this year, he'll be on his way to developing into a double threat as a catcher.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked South Atlantic League #15 prospect in 2000
  A third-round pick in 1999, Jacobson didn’t make his pro debut until 2000 because he broke his hand in his final season at the University of Miami. In the SAL, he struggled at times with strikeout streaks but had good power numbers in a league full of pitcher’s parks. He’s durable, handles pitching staffs exceptionally well and is a terrific guy in the clubhouse. "Russ made great strides with the bat," Legg said. "When he hits it, it goes a long way. He definitely can catch and he’ll just keep getting better." Jacobson’s primary weakness is his throwing. He has a relatively slow release, a focus of Phillies instructors much of the season.

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  A third-round pick in 1999, Jacobson didn’t make his pro debut until 2000 because he broke his hand in his final season at the University of Miami. In the SAL, he struggled at times with strikeout streaks but had good power numbers in a league full of pitcher’s parks. He’s durable, handles pitching staffs exceptionally well and is a terrific guy in the clubhouse. "Russ made great strides with the bat," Legg said. "When he hits it, it goes a long way. He definitely can catch and he’ll just keep getting better." Jacobson’s primary weakness is his throwing. He has a relatively slow release, a focus of Phillies instructors much of the season.