Dustin Brown

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #18 prospect in 2004
  Jason Varitek and Kelly Shoppach loom large at the top of the organization ladder, but the Red Sox also like Brown's potential behind the plate. He does too, after showing reluctance to catch and seeing time in right field in 2002. Brown's first season as a full-time catcher went well, with the exception of a nagging hamstring injury that bothered him through June. He didn't cross the Mendoza Line for good until May 31, but once he was healthy he hit .297/.363/.442 over the last two months. Brown has promising raw power that he hasn't tapped into and the ability to draw walks. He's a good athlete for a catcher and was a sound defensive right fielder. He has a strong arm and should improve his receiving and success rate nabbing basestealers (28 percent in 2003) once he gets more experience. His game calling skills already have improved noticeably. Brown will catch in high Class A this year.