Ron Davenport
| AB | 2687 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .276 |
| OBP | .328 |
| SLG | .425 |
| HR | 59 |
- Full name Ulyses Ronald Davenport
- Born 10/16/1981 in Washington, NC
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: L / Throws: R
- School Leesville Road
- Drafted in the 22nd round (658th overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2000.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Davenport got his career off to a fast start when he hit .345 in the Rookie-level Pioneer League in 2000, but he hit a wall when he reached the Florida State League in 2002. It wasn't until 2004, his third FSL season, that he began to show more offensive potential. He recovered from a .200 April to bat .296 the rest of the way, setting a Dunedin record with 40 doubles in the process. He has a pretty lefthanded stroke, makes hard contact and does a good job of using the whole field. Toronto would like him to see more pitches, as he has a tendency to attack early in the count. His speed and arm strength are average, and he improved his defense in right field last year. He also has taken well to spot duty at first base. Davenport will arrive in Double-A in 2005, and his bat will determine whether he can make it as a big league reserve. -
Signed away from a scholarship to Florida State, Davenport has work to do in several phases of the game. His offensive potential, though, means the Blue Jays will be patient. Davenport has a smooth swing and lashes line drives to all fields. His compact stroke should allow him to make more consistent contact as he gains experience and gets to know pitchers better. A studious hitter, he carries a notebook in which he writes up every pitcher he faces. Davenport projects to have plus power if he continues to get stronger, particularly in his upper body. He needed to stay in extended spring training last year to convert from first base to the outfield. He has improved as a left fielder, though his arm strength is modest. He draws comparisons to former Jays farmhand Jay Gibbons, a pure hitter lost to the Orioles in the 2000 major league Rule 5 draft. Davenport likely will return to low Class A in April.
