Gilberto Acosta

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #23 prospect in 2004
  Acosta has moved slowly, spending two years each in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer and Arizona leagues, but scouts who saw him in 2003 liked his tools. He has good hands and a strong amr at short, though only average range at this point of his young career. Acosta has plus speed--he led the AZL with 30 steals while being caugh just three time-- and he puts the ball in play. He recognizes the importance of drawing walks and getting on base. The switch-hitting Acosta has little or no power, but that's not his game. His slight frame could use some filling out to get him through the daily grind of a full season. He'll move up to low Class A this year.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Arizona Complex League #19 prospect in 2003
  A switch-hitting Venezuelan signed in 1999 by the Brewers, Acosta hit a combined .243 in two seasons in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League. He moved up to .318 a year ago in the AZL and broke out with a .349 average this season while leading the league with 30 stolen bases. "He doesn't have much power," Escalera said, "but he stays inside the ball well and uses the whole field." Acosta has the hands, arm, body and intelligence to remain at shortstop. He makes all the routine plays, but average range may relegate him to a utility role.

• December, 2002 Scouting Report
  A switch-hitting Venezuelan signed in 1999 by the Brewers, Acosta hit a combined .243 in two seasons in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League. He moved up to .318 a year ago in the AZL and broke out with a .349 average this season while leading the league with 30 stolen bases. "He doesn't have much power," Escalera said, "but he stays inside the ball well and uses the whole field." Acosta has the hands, arm, body and intelligence to remain at shortstop. He makes all the routine plays, but average range may relegate him to a utility role.