Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Prospect Countdown: #16 Cameron Gallagher

16. Cameron Gallagher Catcher

lancasteronline.com




Age: 20
Position: C
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 210
B/T: R/R
Acquired: Drafted in the 2nd Round of the 2011 Amateur Draft
From: Lancaster, PA



Paden Bennett (22):  Cameron Gallagher was drafted behind top prospect Bubba Starling and in 2012 spent the season with Burlington.  Gallagher has good potential to become a very solid catcher in this league. His defensive skills will be what carry him through the system but not because his bat will be lacking.  He has good contact skills and I believe he will develop average to above average power for a catcher.

Joe Cox (22)Cameron Gallagher is a big, 6-3 catcher who will be just 20 this season.  Gallagher was selected in the second round of the 2011.  Gallagher spent 2012 in rookie ball, and though he battled hand and shoulder injuries throughout the season, he had a solid season at the plate and behind the dish.  Defensively, reports say that scouts have been impressed with his progression and feel that Gallagher will be able to stick at catcher rather than move to first base or DH.  Offensively, Gallagher had a .756 OPS last season with 3 home runs in 127 at bats.  Gallagher shows good contact skills striking out only 16 times in 2012.  Gallagher has the luxury of moving slowly through the system as Salvador Perez controls the backstop for the foreseeable future in Kansas City, but there is a good chance that he will develop into a decent defensive catcher with a plus bat.

Damion Mandalas (17): The dream scenario with Gallagher is that he becomes Mike Napoli lite. I think he has a good combination of power and contact potential, as well as solid catching skills behind the dish. In a tough hitting environment, I feel as though Gallagher's 2012 performance was incredibly underrated. He posted a line drive percentage nearly 6% higher than league average while striking out 10% less than league average. When you consider that his .756 OPS came from a teenage catcher, you can't help but to be excited. Gallagher should open 2013 in Lexington, which will be the most prospect heavy team in the Royals system.

Dan Ware (14):  Gallagher, drafted in the 2nd round behind top prospect Bubba Starling, spent his 2012 campaign with Burlington in the Appalachian League.  He posted a decent line of .276/.331/.425 at the age of just 19, while hitting 3 HR and driving in 15 runs.  Cameron is very well known for his defensive prowess behind the plate, especially for his strong arm.  In 30 games last season for Burlington, he only committed 2 throwing errors and 2 passed balls.  As for the bat, he has good power potential and makes decent contact, but doesn't have the best athleticism in the organization so it will be interesting to see if he can last behind the plate a few years from now.  Gallagher should start off the 2013 season with our new Low-A affiliate Lexington.

Total Points: 49

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