A.J. Pollock

2013

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2012

Pollock tends to be overlooked in most circles because many scouts believe that he lacks a standout tool. Fortunately, he does everything well, and is praised for unquantifiable traits including his work ethic and instincts on the field. Although he's not a speed demon, Pollock is efficient on the basepaths as evidenced by his 36-for-43 stolen-base mark at Mobile last season. Keep in mind that he missed a year of development in 2010 after fracturing a growth plate in his elbow during spring training, but Pollock showed little rust while skipping High-A in 2011. Just 24, the D-Backs will probably give him most of 2012 to finish his minor league development at Triple-A Reno, but his ability to draw walks and drive the ball into the gaps should make him a viable leadoff man and everyday center fielder as early as 2013.

2011

Pollock fractured a growth plate in his right elbow during spring training and actually lost all of the 2010 season before getting back into game action during the Arizona Fall League. In a hitter-friendly environment, Pollock delivered a .313/.389/.406 line while converting all seven of his stolen base attempts. Long term, he projects as an eventual replacement for Chris Young in center field, but the skill set here is one of a gap hitter with good speed and plenty of defensive ability rather than a five-tool talent. Look for him to start 2011 at Double-A Mobile, while the D-Backs have no need to rush him out of the gates following Young's resurgence last season.

2010

Pollock was the second of the D-Backs' two first-round selections in June, on the heels of a very successful collegiate career at Notre Dame. He was quickly signed and assigned to Low-A South Bend, where he put together a .271/.319/.376 line in 255 at-bats during his first taste of professional pitching. He'll either return to the Midwest League to begin the 2010 season there, or possibly move up to High-A Visalia. Given Chris Young's struggles and the organization's willingness to aggressively promote its prospects, Pollock could enter the center field picture in Arizona during the 2011 campaign if his adjustment to wood bats goes smoothly. Long term, he projects as a line-drive hitter with modest power (10-12 homers), but good instincts on the basepaths (20-25 steals) and above average speed.