Buck Coats

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Toronto Blue Jays #23 prospect in 2008
  The Cubs tried for three years to convert Coats into a shortstop, but it wouldn't take, as the erstwhile outfielder committed 114 errors in 303 games at short from 2003-05. Back in the outfield for the 2007 season, Coats hit well in Triple-A but was traded to the Reds in August, after he'd been designated for assignment, for Class A righthander Marcos Mateo. The Blue Jays acquired him in December for righthander Justin James, who was the club's fifth-round pick in 2003. A good athlete who runs well, Coats has the range and arm to capably play all three outfield spots. He has a sound lefthanded swing, makes reasonable contact, commands the strike zone and has some gap power. But he doesn't do anything particularly well offensively, so it's hard to project him as a regular. His versatility (he has played seven positions as a pro) and modest offensive profile mark him as a strong candidate for a roster spot in 2008.
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  Ranked Chicago Cubs #25 prospect in 2006
  After nearly three years of trying to become a shortstop, Coats started playing center field regularly again last July. He spent most of his first three pro seasons as an outfielder, and he looked so good upon his return that some Cubs officials say he's a better center-field defender than Felix Pie. Coats also has a strong arm for that position and looks more comfortable there than he does at short, where he has made 114 errors in 303 games. He's a good athlete who runs well, and now he needs to get his bat going. The Cubs had envisioned Coats becoming an offensive middle infielder, but he has been ordinary at the plate. He has a sound swing, makes reasonable contact and has a little gap power. Realistically, he fits at the bottom of a big league batting order and looks more like a utilityman who can play almost anywhere on the diamond (he has played seven positions as a pro) than a regular. Coats still played a little shortstop in August and in the Arizona Fall League, and he'll probably see action at a variety of positions in Triple-A this year.