Who in the hell is Jamie Hoffmann?

Been doing some research on Jamie Hoffmann. He led his high school team to a state championship in baseball. Seems that Jamie was considered a very good hockey prospect. Even to the point of being a 8th round draft pick of the National Hockey League (NHL). From all indications even played both sports, at the minor league levels. Finally, Jamie gave up the dream of being a two sport star, and for past three years has devoted his time to becoming a major league baseball player. He has languished in the Dodgers minor leagues for five years. Even placed on re-assignment by Dodgers in 2008, where several teams jumped all over this. But, Dodgers pulled a fast one and offer him a signing bonus of $25,000 to decline any assignment. Jamie then returned to their triple A team. Jamie got some major league experience last year. Had quite a game against the Cubs going 3 for 4. Smacking his first homer and double. While making an outstanding catch in right field. But, Joe Torre had him ride the pines for a month and then was returned to triple A. No surprise there seeing Torre's desire to play veterans. 

Why would the Yankees consider this guy? Well Brain Cashman said "He has lots of potential and is projected to be an every day player. With a lot of talent." Strong words for a player who has only had 22 AB's in the majors. So this intrigued me. Specially since he is very seldom mentioned on anybody's top 100 list of minor league players. So I went looking and searched the net to find out more. Here is what I found:

Scouting report from the baseball cube.

Power ranks in top 40%.

Batting ranks in top 73%.

Speed ranks in top 80%. (Wow! Curtis Granderson ranks in top 84%.)

Contact ranks in top 66%.

Patience ranks in top 63%.

This is a 25 year old who stands 6' 3" and is 235 lbs. For sometime he has been considered "the best defensive outfielder" in the Dodger system. Even been called "the best overall athlete in the Dodger system" by many. He seems to get better each and every year. His power has been the only thing slow to develop. (Similar to a guy named Dave Winfield). He is a line drive hitter, who posses a good eye and patience at the plate. Jamie is a .283 career hitter in the minor leagues, with a .401 slugging percentage. Last year in triple A, his numbers were .284 BA,  a .455 slugging percentage, an  OBP of .360 and a .756 OPS. Yet Hoffmann struck out only 37 times while walking 32 times, with a .756 OPS.  Hmmmmm when you look at lefty splits this guys is a lefty killer with an .974 OPS. This big guy can run and has averaged 18 steals a year.

During Hoffmann's minor league career he has played 325 games in center field, 258 games in right field, 13 games in left field, 59 games at third base and approximately 10 games at first base. Jamie started out being a corner infielder but with his arm and foot speed was converted to the outfield. He is consider a good club house guy and a student of the game  Who simply loves to play this game called baseball.

 The Yankees want this kid to make the roster. He has huge potential that seems to be growing each and every year. Has shown versatility and good defensive skills all over the diamond. Everyone is in a holding pattern on this guy's power, its there just slow to developed. So little wonder Yankees only offered Marcus Thames, (an eight year veteran with a life time .243 batting average),  a minor league contract.

Welcome to the Yankees, Jamie Richard Hoffmann. I think you just might have been what the doctor ordered.