Baseball Beginnings

By John Klima
December 26, 2009

The Arizona Fall League is hyped as a league for can’t-miss young prospects, but in reality this league is vastly more important for older players like Reds outfielder Chris Heisey, a 17^th round pick in 2006 from Messiah College, a Division III Christian college in Grantham, Pennsylvania. Heisey, who will be 25 on Opening Day, had his most productive minor league season in 2009 when he hit 22 home runs and drove in 77 runs between Double-A and Triple-A.

Heisey’s most valuable tool is his power, which he’s clearly developed with patience and hard work as a pro. I had never seen Heisey before two games in the Arizona Fall League and two BPs, and liked him for what he is. Heisey has strong hands, bat speed, good actions, and a good sound off the bat. He’s not talented enough to be a dominating major league player, but I think he’s got enough pop to produce gap-to-gap power.

I’m sure there will have been some scouts who looked at this player and his age and concluded he is a fringy 48-49 extra at the major league level at best, but I think there’s more here.  

This is obviously a very hard-working player who has raised his grades all the way up his organization. Heisey could fit in on the major league level as an outfielder who can play all three positions and provide 16-18 HR power if he gets frequent at-bats. This is a good example of a professional ballplayer without the earth-shattering talent who nonetheless has made himself a candidate to be a very serviceable big leaguer.

Chris Heisey, OF
6-0, 200
B/T: R/R
Cincinnati Reds
Games seen: 2, Innings: 12

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Modest size and build with strong hands and forearms, strong legs and lower half.

STRENGTHS: Strong hands, gap-to-gap approach, ability to lift ball and pull for occasional power. Average hitter, slightly-above average raw power, potential for slightly above-average power frequency. Soft hands in OF, easy arm action, average arm strength and above average arm accuracy. Average to slightly above-average runner, athletic enough to play all three OF positions.

WEAKNESSES: Won’t be dominating offensive player but should hit enough to play. Needs to prove adjustability at big league level.

SUMMARY: Doesn’t do anyone thing poorly; but doesn’t do anyone thing off the charts. Reminds me of Ryan Spilborghs; gap-to-gap guy with occasional power who can play all three OF positions, throw, and steal a base. Very good small market major league ballplayer. Believe player’s makeup is an asset; struck me as very solid professional in preparation and in game.

Grades: (Present/Future)
Hit          45/55
Power   45/55
Run       50/50
Throw  55/55
Field     55/55

Overall Future Potential (OFP): 54

What the Grades Mean

Other Cincinnati Reds Prospects:
Read Mike Leake Q&A
Read Mike Leake Scouting Report
Read updated Mike Leake Scouting Report
Watch Mike Leake Scouting Video
Read Who Will Be the Better Pro: Stephen Strasburg or Mike Leake?
Read Brad Boxberger Scouting Report
Watch Brad Boxberger Scouting Video

Categories: 2009 Minor Leagues
Tags: Chris Heisey, Cincinnati Reds