- Full name Sammy Ariel Baez
- Born 12/10/1984 in Sabana Grande Palenque, Dominican Republic
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 175 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Baez has an intriguing toolset for a middle infielder, though he didn't get to show it off much last season before going down with a shoulder injury that required surgery. After being an easy out in his pro debut in the Arizona League in 2005, he made much more consistent line-drive contact against more advanced Northwest League pitchers last summer. His 6-foot-3 frame still lacks strength, and he could develop solid power once he matures physically. If he provides any offense, Baez will be a big leaguer because the rest of his tools are above-average. He has plus-plus speed, though he's still figuring out how to steal bases. Defensively, his hands, range and arm are all plusses, and he should be able to stay at shortstop even after he fills out. Baez didn't sign until after he turned 20, an unusually late start for a Dominican player. As a result, the Cubs will advance him as quickly as he can cope with, which likely means an assignment to low Class A in 2007.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Cubs In a league filled with quality shortstops, Baez may have been the best defender of the bunch. He was advanced in all aspects of shortstop play, with hands, range and arm strength that graded out at 65 on the standard 20-80 scouting scale. He also has outstanding instincts. But Baez ranks as no better than the fourth shortstop on the list because his bat is a liability. He can't hit now, though he could develop power once he fills out his thin 6-foot-3 frame.