Jon Zeringue
| AB | 1772 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .259 |
| OBP | .325 |
| SLG | .427 |
| HR | 63 |
- Full name Jonathan David Zeringue
- Born 03/29/1983 in Thibodaux, LA
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 215 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Louisiana State
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Drafted in the 2nd round (56th overall) by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2004 (signed for $630,000).
View Draft Report
Zeringue turned down the White Sox as a third-round pick out of E.D. White Catholic High in Thibodeaux, where he won four 3-A state titles, and he should go a round higher three years later. A prep catcher who has moved to right field, Zeringue profiles well at his current position. He's country strong, thanks to working in a sugar cane factory as a teenager, and few players in this draft can crush pitches to all fields like he can. Though he strikes out some, Zeringue has made nice adjustments since his freshman year, when he batted .245 and had difficulty with offspeed pitches. Until a late-season slump dropped his average to .396, he was well ahead of Russ Johnson's Louisiana State-record .410. Solidly built at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, he moves well and has a good arm in right field.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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The Diamondbacks admit they rushed Zeringue in 2005. His assignment to Double-A for his first full season was understandable considering he tore up high Class A in his 2004 pro debut. But Zeringue struggled with his approach, lost his power and was physically spent by the end of the year, batting just .186 in the final month. He still has the tools to project as an everyday player if he can get back on track. He has a quick bat and can drive the ball to all fields, and he's a good right fielder who runs efficient routes and has a plus arm. Zeringue pressed once his struggles began, and began to overswing and expand his strike zone. He's a guess hitter who looks for fastballs he can drive. Once Southern League pitchers figured that out, they threw him nothing but breaking balls outside the zone. His lack of conditioning played a role in his late-season decline, and he participated in Arizona's offseason program to help him cope with the rigors of a full season. Despite his poor showing, the Diamondbacks have faith that Zeringue can bounce back in a return to Tennessee in 2006. -
The Diamondbacks targeted pitching for the second round of the 2004 draft, but with Zeringue still on the board they couldn't pass him up. After signing for $630,000, he obliterated high Class A pitching and kept mashing in the postseason, hitting .447 with 12 RBIs in nine games. Zeringue's quick, compact swing generates hard line drives and good power from gap to gap. Surprisingly athletic for his size, he has solid speed and baserunning aptitude. His arm is strong and accurate. Zeringue needs to become more disciplined at the plate. He's a mistake hitter and guesses on most pitches, leaving him behind fastballs or chasing breaking pitches. Despite his right-field arm, his routes and instincts may be better suited for left. His swing lacks loft, so his power upside is limited. Despite Arizona's depth on the outfield corners, Zeringue could move quickly. He'll begin his first full season at the organization's new Double-A Tennessee affiliate.
Minor League Top Prospects
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The Diamondbacks' second-round pick in June, Zeringue was challenged out of the box with an assignment to the Cal League. He passed the test easily, as his average never dipped below .327 and he smacked seven homers in his final 14 regular-season games. He didn't cool off in the playoffs, batting .447 with 12 RBIs in nine games despite being limited to DH duties because of a broken finger. "You know how everyone is talking about Jackson and Quentin this year?" Meacham asked. "Well, that's how they're going to be talking about Zeringue next year." Zeringue has classic right-field tools. He generates excellent bat speed and hits for power to all fields, though he needs to be more selective and must make adjustments against breaking pitches. He has a solid arm and surprising speed for his size.
