Top Prospects #27: Nick Van Stratten

#27 Nick Van Stratten

Age: 24
HT/WT: 6-1/185
B/T: R/R
Pos: Corner OF
Drafted: 10th Round, Pick #287 in 2006 Rule IV Draft
College: St. Louis CC Meramec
ETA: 2012

Like other prospects that have been mentioned, Nick Van Stratten is slightly on the older side given his stage of development. For this reason he ranks much, much lower than if he were a 22 year old. Also, Van Stratten lacks home run power and at the most I could see him having a career high of 11 or 12 homers. Van Stratten does have above average gap power and some speed. In a best case scenario I could see Van Stratten developing into a DeJesus-esque player with less defensive ability and a weaker throwing arm.

Just like fellow prospect Clint Robinson, I think that Van Stratten needs to be pushed along to double this season even though he only has 255 at bats at the high A level. If he isn't rushed then he will continue to post decent numbers that won't say as much given his age. If he continues to hit in double A like he has throughout the rest of his career, then Van Stratten's stock will rise. More than likely though if he reaches the Major League level he will find time as a decent obp option off of the bench as a fourth outfielder.