Desmond Jennings - CF - Tampa Bay Rays. Bats: R Throws: R 6'2" 180. DOB: 10.30.86. College: Itawamba CC (MS) Drafted: 10th Round 2006
Scouted: Durham Bulls @ Columbus Clippers 5.14.10 (In Person)
The Devil Rays changed the course of their brief history in 2006 when they used the 3rd overall pick on Evan Longoria, but 9 rounds later they selected another player with star ability. A decorated wide receiver at Itawamba CC, Jennings' athletic ability is apparent to all observers. Jennings' speed/plate discipline combination captured my attention years ago and I was so high on him last season that he came in at #3 on my top 100 prospects list. While 2010 was a success, Jennings didn't duplicate his impressive 2009 campaign and will enter 2011 as my #3 outfielder. Jennings had some trouble staying healthy early in his professional career but the past two seasons have been generally incident free.
Minor League Stats
| Year | Age | Level | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | K | AVE | OBP | SLG |
| 2006 | 19 | RK | 56 | 213 | 48 | 59 | 10 | 1 | 4 | 20 | 32 | 5 | 22 | 39 | .277 | .360 | .390 |
| 2007 | 20 | A- | 99 | 387 | 75 | 122 | 21 | 5 | 9 | 37 | 45 | 15 | 45 | 53 | .315 | .401 | .465 |
| 2008 | 21 | A+ | 24 | 85 | 17 | 22 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 14 | 16 | .259 | .360 | .412 |
| 2009 | 22 | AA-AAA | 132 | 497 | 92 | 158 | 31 | 10 | 11 | 62 | 52 | 7 | 67 | 67 | .318 | .401 | .487 |
| 2010 | 23 | AAA | 109 | 399 | 82 | 111 | 25 | 6 | 3 | 36 | 37 | 4 | 47 | 67 | .278 | .362 | .393 |
| TOT | - | - | 420 | 1581 | 314 | 472 | 92 | 23 | 29 | 161 | 171 | 33 | 195 | 242 | .299 | .384 | .441 |
Major League Stats
| Year | Age | Level | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | K | AVE | OBP | SLG |
| 2010 | 23 | MLB | 17 | 24 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | .190 | .292 | .333 |
It's important to note that getting one live look doesn't provide nearly enough information to produce a true scouting report, but that's not going to stop me from giving you my report anyway.
HITTING: Jennings excels with pitch recognition which bodes well for his future projection as a player capable of hitting at a high average, but one minor point of concern is that the right handed hitting Jennings hit just .198 against lefties last season.
POWER: After posting a career high .487 slugging percentage in 2009, Jennings slugged just .393 last season. It's possible that a wrist injury he battled through limited Jennings' power, but while he was once projected to develop average power, I just don't see it. He has a short compact line drive stroke and his wheels will turn singles into doubles but no amount of speed will turn those doubles into home runs.
SPEED: Jennings possesses speed that is truly plus plus and he's intelligent enough to use it wisely. His CS% is consistently low and the International League mangers voted regarded him as the top baserunner in the league in 2010. I clocked Jennings at 4.3 seconds from home to 1st base.
ARM: I have not been able to get an accurate first hand look at Jennings arm strength, but all accounts have this tool graded as average.
DEFENSE: On top of being voted as the best baserunner, Jennings was also voted the most exciting player and the best defensive outfielder in the International League.
FUTURE: The departure of Carl Crawford should create an opening for Jennings where his OBP and stolen base totals while playing for a contender could generate Rookie of the Year buzz.
Tags: of prospects, outfield prospects, mlb prospects, top 100 baseball prospects, top baseball prospects, baseball prospects, rays prospects, tampa bay prospects, tampa bay rays, sports, baseball, minor league, mlb, milb, desmond jennings
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