Jeff Frazier

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Detroit Tigers #21 prospect in 2007
  Frazier is one of three baseball brothers in his family. Older brother Charlie spent six years in the Marlins organization as an outfielder. Younger brother Todd, who followed Jeff to Rutgers, is a potential first-round pick for the 2007 draft. Todd was the star of the Toms River (N.J.) team that won the 1998 Little League World Series, while Jeff played in the 1995 event. He slumped after a strong start in high Class A last year, prompting questions as to whether his good baseball sense and durability will do enough to augment his modest tools. Frazier makes reasonably consistent contact and drives in runs, but he also doesn't show much power or draw many walks. He does have a long, lean frame and should have more pop once he gets stronger. Frazier has a solid arm but his so-so speed and range make him a better fit in right field. The Tigers have no shortage of righthanded-hitting outfield prospects--Cameron Maybin, Brent Clevlen and Gorkys Hernandez rank well ahead of him--so Frazier could use a breakout year in Double-A to solidify his status.
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  Ranked Detroit Tigers #12 prospect in 2006
  Frazier has two brothers in baseball, with younger brother Todd a prime 2007 draft target as the shortstop at Rutgers. Older brother Charlie spent six years in the Marlins organization. Naturally, the Tigers like to describe their Frazier as a "baseball player" who loves the game and has an excellent work ethic. Still, they aren't sure where he fits into their future plans. He had a solid first full season in the minors, leading the Midwest League with 45 doubles while ranking third in hits and total bases. Frazier has a big frame and can get long with his swing, but he's a steady hitter who makes consistent contact. He doesn't have any tools that are significantly deficient, though his fringe-average arm and speed limit him to left field. However, none of his tools grade out as above-average, either. Frazier likely will move one step at a time, which would take him to high Class A this year. He'll have to tweak his swing to either find more power or hit for a higher average to profile as a big league regular on a contender.
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  Ranked Detroit Tigers #7 prospect in 2005
  Frazier batted .382-13-59 as a junior and set Rutgers' career home run mark with 34 before signing for $500,000. His pro debut ended after 20 games when an errant pitch broke his left forearm. His older brother Charlie is an outfielder in the Marlins organization and his younger brother Todd (the MVP of the 1998 Little League World Series) is a freshman third baseman at Rutgers. A good all-around hitter who uses the entire field, Frazier has the strength and leverage to turn on pitches and drive them out to any part of the park. His makeup is outstanding. He has a chance to be an above-average outfielder with a strong, accurate arm. Frazier had to tone down a deep hand hitch in his swing to avoid getting under too many balls. He's a solid athlete, but he doesn't get down the line very well. Though his instincts help him on the bases and in the outfield corner spots, his speed and range are somewhat limited. Frazier likely will start 2005 at low Class A West Michigan. He's advanced enough to get pushed to high Class A after a strong first half.