Domonic Brown

2013

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2012

Brown was at or near the top of prospect lists entering last season, and many took a chance on drafting him hoping he'd live up to lofty expectations. A broken hamate bone in spring training forced him to start the year in the minors and when he got his chance in Philly, he couldn't establish any consistency at the plate and looked lost at times in right field. On a positive note, his 12 percent walk rate and 81 percent contact rate indicate a very good eye at the plate, especially for a young hitter. Those two ratios, plus a depressed BABIP, decent speed and expectations from scouts that Brown will develop power lead us to believe his batting average is likely to improve when he gets his next opportunity to establish himself. The Phillies have Brown working on a transition to left field where the club does not have an established veteran locked in for at-bats. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. indicated he would like Brown to get a full season of at-bats in the minors this season, but Brown can force a change in those plans if he gets off to a good start at Triple-A this year. He'll likely come cheap in drafts so keeper league owners should not overlook the opportunity to acquire Brown while his value is at its lowest. He still has the skill set that once had him at the top of prospect lists and still projects to be a solid everyday outfielder.

2011

Brown is considered by many to be the best offensive prospect in baseball. He has displayed power, speed and a very good eye at the plate throughout his time in the minors. That skill set made Brown untouchable in trade talks when the Phillies were working out a deal with the Blue Jays to land Roy Halladay. When Raul Ibanez struggled to start last season and Brown was forcing his way up to Triple-A, Phillies fans called for Brown to get his opportunity in the majors. The team opted to stick with Ibanez, but Brown eventually did get a chance with the big club after an injury to Shane Victorino. Brown did not capitalize on that opportunity and struggled in his 62 at-bat audition as major league pitchers exploited his long swing. The Phillies sent Brown to the Dominican Winter League to get some extra at-bats but brought him home after nine games claiming Brown felt sluggish. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Brown will be given a chance to compete for a starting outfield job this spring, but emphasized that Brown will not be handed a job. If the team determines Brown needs to do some additional work, he will open the year back in the minors. If he proves he is ready for the majors, Brown will be one of the favorites to win NL Rookie of the Year.

2010

Scouts say Brown just looks like a baseball player and some say he reminds them of a young Darryl Strawberry. That may be too high of a bar, but Brown is a five-tool prospect and is considered by many to be the best prospect in the Phillies farm system. Brown finished the minor league season hitting .299/.377/.504 with 14 home runs, 21 doubles and 23 stolen bases between High-A and Double-A last year. He also saw time in the Arizona Fall League but looked worn down after a long year and struggled to put up decent numbers. That shouldn't worry fantasy owners as Brown projects to be a 20/20 player with the potential for even more steals in his prime. He will likely begin 2010 back at Double-A with a promotion to Triple-A later in the year, eying a promotion to Philadelphia in 2010.