2012 Top Prospects #30: Moises Sierra

Name: Moises Sierra
Position: Right Field
Acquired: Signed as an International Free Agent out of the Dominican in December 2005
Opening Day age: 23
Height/weight: 6’0”/225 lbs
Best/worst tool: Arm/Speed
Risk factor: Low
ETA: 2012

Scouting Report

It could be argued that Moises Sierra is a five-tool player. The problem with that argument is that, even if it’s true, only three of the five tools are above average or better, causing some misperception about the young right fielder. Power is easily Sierra’s best offensive tool, as it has fringe-plus potential. The home run numbers haven’t yet blossomed, but a lot of that has to do with the injuries that have derailed his development in recent years. His bat is a step behind, but is still an average tool. It gets played up a bit thanks to his decent plate approach, but his ceiling is more of a .270 hitter than a .290 hitter. On defense, Sierra features one of the best arms in all of minor league baseball, a true plus-plus tool. Sierra’s fielding ability is above average, though when combined with his arm strength he often looks elite out in right field. Speed is Sierra’s worst tool, though it is still an average tool. His biggest issue might be overconfidence in his speed, as it frequently causes him trouble on the basepaths.

2011 Statistics and Analysis

495 AB, .277/.342/.436 (.778 OPS), 19 2B, 3 3B, 18 HR, 67 RBI, 16 SB, 39/93 BB/K

Making his return from an injury riddled 2010 season, Sierra erupted onto the scene in New Hampshire with arguably the best season of his career. The untapped power was finally unleashed, as Sierra doubled his career best for home runs in a season, going from 9 in 2008 to 18 in 2011. His walk rate remained fringe-average, while his strikeout rate did get a bit higher than you’d like to see out of someone with a mediocre plate approach. The bat was inconsistent, likely due to all the missed time, but his final batting average (.277) is right around what you would expect out of someone with a bat tool like Sierra – he’s not going to win batting titles, but shouldn’t drag the team rates down. The 16 stolen bases look good, but what isn’t mentioned is his 14 caught stealing, leaving him with an ugly 53% success rate. So while his speed tool could be considered average, his base running leaves a lot to be desired.

Expected 2012 Assignment: Triple-A Las Vegas

Future Outlook

Sierra should start next season with Triple-A Las Vegas, which could superficially raise his prospect stock. A similar thing happened with Eric Thames last season, as the jump from New Hampshire to Las Vegas spiked his OPS almost 150 points, and had fans clamoring for his arrival to Toronto. Sierra will only be in his second year back from serious injury, and shouldn’t be rushed just because he might hit .320 with 5 home runs next April. Still, Sierra will turn 24 next September, and is approaching the sink or swim phase of his career. A callup in the second half of the season is a very real possibility, particularly if the Snider/Thames situation in left gets sorted out, with one of them leaving town.

Perfect World Projection: Everyday RF who hits 6th or 7th in the lineup, but might contend for some Gold Gloves due to gaudy outfield assist numbers.