Tim Beckham

2013

There was no outlook written for Tim Beckham.

2012

It's easy to write Beckham off after a couple of disappointing seasons in the low minors after being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 draft. However, he held his own at Double-A Montgomery sporting a .275 batting with seven home runs and 15 stolen bases. While Beckham slightly improved his strikeout rate, he also saw an equal decline in his walk rate showing no significant improvement in his plate discipline. It is important to note he moved up a level from last season and was not overmatched by the pitching as expected by most prospects. He'll likely begin the year at Triple-A Durham with an eye on the big club for 2013 but could make a push as soon as this season given the Rays' shortstop options if he is able to produce at the plate. Given his age (22), there's still a lot of optimism that Beckham can develop into an everyday major league player.

2011

The first overall pick from the 2008 draft hasn't lived up to lofty expectations as of yet. However, Beckham will only be 21 this season, which means there's still plenty of time for him to right the ship. Nothing from his High-A Charlotte numbers last season stick out, but there were a few encouraging signs. For the season, he showed better judgment at the plate, nearly doubling his walk rate from the previous season. He changed his approach at the plate during the season and didn't try to hit a home run in every at-bat. Beckham hit all five of his home runs in the first half but improved his OBP (.370) by 62 points during the second half. He still strikes out at a high rate (22.5 percent) and will get a chance to improve that likely starting the season at Double-A Montgomery. There's still a lot of upside here but he's going to have to produce and soon if he wants to retain prospect status.

2010

Here is the future at shortstop for the Rays. Beckham spent 2009 playing for Low-A Bowling Green and batting .275 with five homers and 13 stolen bases over 491 at-bats. Scouts are enamored with his athleticism, but he's still a very raw player. Going forward he needs to improve his plate discipline (he struck out in 23 percent of his plate appearances) and prowess on the basepaths (13-for-23, 56 percent success rate). Still he's only 19 and has plenty of time to polish his skills. He should be owned in all keeper leagues with minors or deep benches.

2009

Beckham, the first overall pick in the 2008 draft, did not enjoy a tremendous pro debut, but most of his fellow high school players began their careers in the GCL or AZL Leagues, a level below Beckham. The Rays have the luxury of not having to rush Beckham, who continues to draw raves from scouts for his overall long-term ability. He's still at least a few years away from the majors, however, he'll likely start 2009 at Low-A.