Gerardo Parra

2013

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2012

Although Parra hasn't provided the power most teams look for from their left fielder, he continues to improve offensively and managed to capture a Gold Glove with his outstanding defense in 2011. In addition to cutting back on his strikeouts, Parra increased his walk rate and was much better against left-handed pitching than he was in his first two seasons in the big leagues. While Parra is a good contact hitter with the ability to use all fields, D-Backs hitting coach Don Baylor has worked with him to develop more pull power. Perhaps a 15-20 homer season down the road is attainable, but fantasy owners should look to him for double-digit steals given his success rate on the basepaths with the opportunity to rack up runs scored if he gets another look near the top of the batting order. That said, the Diamondbacks' signing of Jason Kubel clouds his future - clearly Chris Young and Justin Upton won't be sitting to make room for Kubel, so Parra will likely serve as the fourth outfielder in 2012 barring a trade.

2011

Once upon a time, Parra was considered a top prospect in the D-Backs' system. Just 23, he's already being labeled as a fourth outfielder with limited offensive upside. Defensively, he helps himself by displaying both the range and the arm needed to handle all three outfield positions, but it's his surprising shortcomings at the plate that have left keeper league owners disappointed. Struggles against left-handed pitching have led to a platoon stamp, and there seems to be little weight given to his .285/.327/.416 line against righties the past two seasons. Consider Parra as an endgame plug-in for NL-only leagues that require the use of five outfielders, as there still is some growth potential here.

2010

Parra erupted at Double-A Mobile to start the season, hitting .355/.448/.477 in 107 at-bats before getting the surprise callup to Arizona when Conor Jackson came down with Valley Fever and Eric Byrnes was slumping. Despite skipping Triple-A and being just 22 years old, Parra held his own during his rookie season. Long term, Parra's home appears to be in left field, but he showed a very strong arm and is capable of playing in center or right when needed. The biggest questions regarding his future right now are whether he'll develop enough power to be an everyday player and if he'll figure out lefties to the point where he'll avoid having to sit against them (.220/.250/.220 in 100 at-bats). He figures to be a fourth option in the crowded Arizona outfield to begin 2010, but an early-season slump could earn him a ticket for some time at Triple-A Reno.

2009

Parra made the transition from High-A Visalia to Double-A Mobile last season and held his own with a .275/.341/.419 line in 265 at-bats after being promoted. Through his first three minor league stops, Parra has shown good plate discipline (.362 OBP) and promising speed on the basepaths. Considering his progress as a 21-year-old, there's still plenty of time for him to develop additional power, as he's lacked the pop necessary to occupy a corner outfield spot at the major league level. Despite the lack of home runs, Parra possesses very good bat speed and the ability to hit the ball to all fields. Even though his stock has dipped during his progression through the minors, trades have depleted Arizona's stockpile of minor league talent and Parra will likely see Triple-A at some point in 2009, with an eye towards breaking in with the D-Backs in 2010.