Drafted in the 6th round (173rd overall) by the Baltimore Orioles in 2001.
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C Eli Whiteside was one of four Delta State players batting .400 before the Division II College World Series, and he had thrown out 37 percent of basestealers
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Whiteside made his major league debut in 2005, but he took a major step back offensively in his first exposure to Triple-A. He always has shown the defensive skills to be at least a major league backup, but the question has been whether he'll hit enough. The Orioles haven't given up on him, as they kept him on the 40-man roster. After hitting a career-high 18 homers in 2004, he lost his approach and plate discipline last year. He never will hit for average because he's stiff and has a long swing, and the best Baltimore can hope for is some occasional pop. Whiteside's defense remains strong, as he has an above-average arm and good footwork that allowed him to throw out 40 percent of basestealers in Triple-A. He has the body and strength to handle the rigors of catching every day if he can hit enough to earn such a role. He'll go back to Triple-A to open the season, trying to prove he can be more than a backup.
The Orioles drafted Whiteside as a defense-first catcher, but he showed enough offense in his first season and a half in the organization to make them think he could be more. Unfortunately, he tried to bulk up to generate more power at the plate. It not only didn't help his offense, but it also resulted in injuries and a stiff body. He missed nearly half the 2003 season, and one scout said when he did play it looked like he was walking around on stilts. He trimmed down and improved his flexibility in the offseason, then opened 2004 in extended spring training as he got healthy and worked on his batting stance. The Orioles put Whiteside in a deeper crouch and opened him up, and they were pleased with the results. He was more selective at the plate and showed more power, and fully healthy in the Arizona Fall League he had a .355 on-base percentage and .615 slugging percentage in 70 at-bats. If he puts up the offensive numbers he did in 2004 at higher levels, he will be an everyday big league catcher because he's so solid defensively. He's got the size and strength for the position, and he's got an above-average arm with a quick release. Even if he doesn't hit, his defense should allow him to be a backup. Whiteside was added to the 40-man roster and will battle for a Triple-A job in spring training. It's conceivable he could win the backup job in the big leagues, but he really needs a full season of at-bats to help his development.
The Orioles drafted Whiteside because of his defensive skills, and he has lived up to his reputation. He has a strong body and an above-average arm, throwing out 37 percent of basestealers in Double-A last year. He still needs to work on his receiving skills and footwork. Most important, Whiteside has to improve offensively. He battled injuries throughout 2003, most notably a high ankle sprain, and hit a career-low .204. He went to the Arizona Fall League but played just one game before being shut down with elbow tendinitis. Whiteside needs atbats, because if he can hit at all he'll be a big league backup on the strength of his defense. But while he has a little pop, he has a poor approach at the plate. He chases everything and might struggle to bat .230 in the majors. Despite his struggles, Whiteside remains the organization's top catching prospect. He'll return to Double-A in an effort to get his bat going.
The Orioles drafted Whiteside after he was an NCAA Division II all-American at Delta State and took the team to the semifinals of the D-II College World Series. He was to continue his fast pace in the Arizona Fall League last year, but a hairline fracture to his hamate bone put him on the shelf. The Orioles drafted Whiteside for his defense. He's got a country- strong body that's well suited for the rigors of catching, plus good feet and good technique behind the plate. He records mitt-to-glove times of less than 2.0 seconds on throws to second base. What has made him a prospect is his bat, which has been better than expected. Whiteside is still learning how to handle pitchers, and on offense he'll need to develop more power to become a premium player. He had less success throwing out basestealers in 2002 (31 percent) than in his pro debut (41 percent). In an organization that could use a few pleasant surprises, Whiteside has been one. He's a blue-collar worker who could be in the big leagues within a year. He'll open 2003 in Double-A.
Whiteside was one of the better backstop prospects in the 2001 draft after hitting .401-8- 75 and throwing out 37 percent of basestealers during a Division II All-America season. He helped Delta State (Miss.) reach the semifinals of the Division II World Series. The Orioles sent Whiteside straight to low Class A, where he more than held his own. He was everything he was advertised to be on defense, with great catch-and-throw skills, a good catcher's body and a strong arm. He threw out 41 percent of basestealers at Delmarva, one of the best figures in the South Atlantic League. He also handled pitchers better than expected. He has promising power and good bat speed but will have to improve at the plate, especially with his grasp of the strike zone. He could skip a level and proceed to Double-A with a good spring.
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