Luis Saturria

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked St. Louis Cardinals #9 prospect in 2001
  Saturria has teased the Cardinals with his athletic ability since he signed. But every step forward is followed by a step back. He played in the Dominican League this winter to get more experience against good pitching and hit just .194. Scouts love Saturria because the tools are all there. He has power and speed and is an exciting player when he's on his game. He has a good arm and is a solid defensive outfielder. When he plays with confidence, his athleticism shines. "Enigmatic" is the best word for Saturria. He never has established consistency in his career and hasn't been able to make the adjustments necessary to get out of slumps. He remains undisciplined at the plate and still strikes out too much. Despite of all of his experience, St. Louis thinks he needs more at-bats. The Cardinals would like to lock Saturria in a room with Albert Pujols in hopes of making him the same kind of hitter. This will be a big year for him. He needs to start strong and perform well in Triple-A because time and patience are running out.
• 
  Ranked St. Louis Cardinals #6 prospect in 1999
  Background: Saturria had moved slowly since the Cardinals signed him, spending two years in the Dominican Summer League. When the Blue Jays took him in the major league Rule 5 draft in December 1997, then returned him to the Cardinals in spring training, it jump-started his career. Strengths: Saturria has always had great tools, and last year the ability started to show itself on the field. He has a live body, above-average speed and an outstanding arm. The Cardinals know he'll have the defense and hope he'll have the power to be a standout right fielder. Weaknesses: Saturria is still inconsistent with the bat and is working on his plate discipline. He made big improvements last year, shortening his swing and starting to use the whole field. He also is learning how to translate his speed into more stolen bases. The Future: Though he is coming into his own, Saturria still needs a lot of polishing. He'll continue his step-by-step climb as the right fielder at Arkansas.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Texas League #19 prospect in 2000
  The Cardinals temporarily lost Saturria to the Blue Jays in the 1997 major league Rule 5 draft, and they’re glad they got him back. He has arguably the best package of tools in their depleted system--—though Bill Ortega could stake a claim to that honor--but he’s still somewhat raw in terms of baseball skills. Saturria has a quick bat, though he lacks any concept of strike-zone discipline, which hampers his ability to hit for average or power. He has the speed to wreak havoc on the bases, yet he lacks the instincts. He’s at his best in the outfield, where he has center field range and a right field arm.

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  The Cardinals temporarily lost Saturria to the Blue Jays in the 1997 major league Rule 5 draft, and they’re glad they got him back. He has arguably the best package of tools in their depleted system--—though Bill Ortega could stake a claim to that honor--but he’s still somewhat raw in terms of baseball skills. Saturria has a quick bat, though he lacks any concept of strike-zone discipline, which hampers his ability to hit for average or power. He has the speed to wreak havoc on the bases, yet he lacks the instincts. He’s at his best in the outfield, where he has center field range and a right field arm.