#11: CF Jake Marisnick

Name: Jacob Marisnick
Position: Center fielder
Acquired: 3rd round (2009)
Opening Day age: 20
Height/weight: 6'4", 200 lbs
Best/worst tool: Athleticism/power

Scouting Report: Jake Marisnick is the stereotypical projectable 5-tool player. Due to his excellent athleticism, his running, fielding, and throwing tools are ahead of his bat and power, but as he matures he should become a much more well rounded player. It's hard to imagine a 6'4" player being a significant base stealer in the majors, but Marisnick could easily develop into a 20/20 player while hitting close to .300 with a good approach and playing great defense in center. It speaks volumes about Marisnick that power is his weakest tool at this point, as at 20 years old he's barely below average in that tool. He is a scout's dream.

2010 Stats: .253/.336/.398 (.733 OPS), 20 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 26 RBI, 23 SB

2010 Analysis: Marisnick was a late sign in the 2009 draft. As such, 2010 was his first professional season and he split time between the Gulf Coast League (.832 OPS in 122 AB) and the Midwest League (.636 OPS in 127 AB). Marisnick struggled after his promotion as a 19 year old in the MWL, but it was likely a result of him being too aggressive while trying to impress.

2011 Stats: .315/.385/.486 (.871 OPS), 12 2B, 4 3B, 6 HR, 47 RBI, 18 SB

2011 Analysis: Marisnick's second trial with Lansing has gone much better, culminating in an appearance as a starting outfielder in the Midwest League All-Star game. Baseball Prospectus' Kevin Goldstein attended the game, and came away extremely impressed with Marisnick both physically and as a baseball player. He has shown a solid all-around game, hitting for average, hitting for power, while keeping a good approach at the plate and fielding well.

Future outlook: Marisnick will likely progress slowly, as the Blue Jays would be wise to focus on how Marisnick's bat is developing and not his flashy athletic tools. He should split the rest of 2011 with Lansing and Dunedin. If his bat continues to develop, Marisnick should spend 2012 in Dunedin/New Hampshire, and 2013 in New Hampshire/Las Vegas (or whatever the Triple-A affiliate is at that time). Marisnick's best case would see him as a 2013 September callup, with the potential for a regular job in 2014 depending upon the development of another center fielder in the Blue Jays system.

Perfect world projection: Star MLB center fielder, semi-regular All-Star appearances throughout his career, possible Silver Slugger and/or Gold Glove awards.

Worst case scenario: 4th outfielder in majors or fizzles out as Quad-A player.

Most likely outcome: Everyday MLB center fielder, possibly an All-Star appearance or two in his prime years.