Kurt Suzuki is flying through the Oakland Athletics minor league system, taking advantage of the global drought in capable catchers.
“I really liked Oakland because they aren’t afraid to move players through the ranks quickly,” Suzuki told MLN.
Since being drafted in the second round of the 2004 Amateur Baseball Draft, the Wailuku, Hawaii native has continued to improve on defense and offense.
Recently, Kurt got a chance to be showcased in the All-Star Futures Game.
“I took this opportunity to be able to learn as much as possible from all the different resources that are at this game,” Suzuki said.
Perhaps one thing that is expediting Suzuki’s development is the fact he played college ball for four seasons at college baseball powerhouse California State University, Fullerton.
Suzuki blossomed at Cal State Fullerton during his senior season, batting .417, with 17 doubles, 16 homeruns, and 87 RBIs.
His first few seasons in the professional ranks were solid. In Suzuki’s first year, he was placed in High-A baseball. His offensive numbers with the California League Stockton Ports were respectable, batting .277, with 12 homeruns, and 65 RBIs.
This season, Suzuki is proving that he has competitive numbers by batting .282, with 23 doubles, 7 homeruns, and 53 RBIs.
“I’m really trying to have serviceable at-bats,” Suzuki said. “I am really trying to put more of an emphasis on my defense and calling a good game. It’s important to be [useful] to the pitcher and be able to help out offensively as well.”
Suzuki has above average offensive skills and can hit enough to be a contributing catcher at the major league level. His defense will continue to dictate how he moves through the minor league system. Like any catcher, they are slower to progress through the levels.
Even though it’s a seller’s market in catchers right now, if Suzuki wants a shot at Jason Kendell’s job, and to hold off Athletics prospect Jason Brown, he’s going to have to turn up his minor league offensive numbers to the .300s and maintain at least his current offensive level. He debuts in the MLN FAB50 Baseball 2006 rankings as our top catching prospect not already in the majors at 19.
- Jason BLASCO
