- Full name Jason Woolf
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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If it weren't for bad luck, Woolf wouldn't have any luck at all. Since the Cardinals drafted him, he has put together just one full, healthy season. Strained groin, dislocated finger, migraine headaches, sprained elbow, strained hamstring, back spasms--Woolf has seen it all. Or almost all. He blew out his knee at the end of the 2000 season and had ACL surgery, and he's not expected back until June. On pure talent, Woolf is a Top 10 player. But he's the organization's biggest enigma, not only because of his continual injuries but also because he doesn't always seem to give his best effort. His arm and power are both plus tools, and he's not lacking in any area. He has an athletic body when healthy. He tends to be lackadaisical on defense, and the organization also has tried him at third base and in the outfield. Woolf needs to come back strong from his injury and make an impression at Memphis because he'll be a free agent after the season. -
Background: The 1998 season was the first in which it looked like Woolf was approaching his potential. He missed several weeks with a dislocated right ring finger caused by a bad-hop grounder, but he made up some of the at-bats in the Arizona Fall League where hit .243 in 74 at-bats. Strengths: Woolf is the kind of player who makes scouts drool. He fits the prototype of the modern shortstop and is a physical specimen with a plus arm and speed approaching 80 on the scouts' scale. His swing looks awkward, but he usually puts the good part of the bat on the ball. Weaknesses: Woolf's adjustment to pro ball has been tougher than most, though he has matured greatly. Now he has to avoid the injury bug, get in a full season with 500 at-bats and allow his skills to blossom. The Future: The Cardinals want Woolf to play shortstop at Memphis, but it's not a slam dunk. He'll have to earn the job.