#4: CF Anthony Gose

Name: Anthony Gose
Position: Center Fielder
Acquired: Trade with Houston in July 2010 (drafted 2nd round, 2008)
Opening Day age: 20
Height/weight: 6'1", 190 lbs
Best/worst tool: Speed/bat

Scouting Report:

Anthony Gose is an extremely toolsy outfield prospect who has a near limitless ceiling. His best tools are his fielding and speed, which are both plus-plus and will guarantee he eventually makes the majors in some regard. He also has an above average arm for a centerfielder, and his body type should keep him there long term. Gose's biggest question marks are his offensive tools, as his swing mechanics are mediocre at best right now and his power is unlikely to develop beyond 15 HR even when he matures. Gose works deep into counts, which leads to a solid walk rate but also high strikeout numbers. Both should improve with time as he gets older and more experienced. He has fast hands and good bat speed, so Gose just needs to focus on making contact and putting the ball in play.

2010 Stats: .262/.332/.393 (.724 OPS), 20 2B, 13 3B, 7 HR, 27 RBI, 45 SB, 45/132 BB/K

2010 Analysis:

Gose spent the 2010 season between two FSL teams, Clearwater and Dunedin, and held his own as a 19 year old. He hit .262, but unlike previous years it wasn't a hollow batting average. He improved his power and walk rate, but continued to strike out far too often for a top of the order hitter. Gose became far too wild on the basepaths, as his FSL leading 45 stolen bases came with 32 caught stealings.

2011 Stats: .251/.343/.392 (.735 OPS), 12 2B, 5 3B, 9 HR, 39 RBI, 45 SB, 42/96 BB/K

2011 Analysis:

At 20 years old, Gose has been working as one of the youngest players in the Eastern League. He has continued to make strides with his power and walk rate and has drastically improved his stolen base percentage. During May, Gose displayed what his ceiling may be, as he finished the month with a .296/.417/.472 (.889 OPS) slash line to go along with 9 extra base hits, 14 SB, and a 20/25 BB/K ratio in 31 games. April, June, and July have proven more difficult, which speaks to how far Gose still has to go with his hitting and consistency before he can make the majors.

Future outlook:

One thing to keep in mind when looking over Gose's career statistics is that he has always been young for the level he is playing. He was 18 in the Sally League, 19 in the Florida State League, and 20 in the Eastern League. Additionally, the last two are known predominantly for pitching. With that being said, I am impressed he has fared as well as he had. Most 20 year olds are either in A-ball or their sophomore college season, yet Gose is holding his own in the upper minors. Gose still likely needs another two full seasons in the minors to continue his development as a hitter, with 2012 likely being a split between New Hampshire and Las Vegas, and 2013 being a "show me" year in Triple-A with the potential for a September callup. Even if he doesn't get a full time position in Toronto until 2014, he would still only be 23, which is still very young for a major leaguer.

Perfect world projection: An All Star MLB CF, if Gose can continue learning to hit he has no limit. Would bat leadoff and be a perennial Gold Glove and stolen base title winner.

Worst case scenario: 4th outfielder, if his hit and power fail to develop. His defense and speed will get him to the majors as a pinch runner and defensive replacement.

Most likely outcome: A starting MLB CF, possible All Star appearances during his prime. Multiple Gold Gloves and stolen base titles.