Sean Burroughs
San Diego Padres
Position: 3B Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 Born: 9/12/80 Bats: Left Throws: Right
| Year |
Team |
Level |
G |
AB |
R |
H |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
BB |
K |
SB |
CS |
BA |
OBP |
SLG |
| 1999 |
F. Wayne |
A |
122 |
426 |
65 |
153 |
30 |
3 |
5 |
80 |
74 |
59 |
17 |
15 |
.359 |
.464 |
.479 |
| 1999 |
Rancho C. |
A |
6 |
23 |
3 |
10 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
.435 |
.519 |
.696 |
| 2000 |
Mobile |
AA |
108 |
392 |
46 |
114 |
29 |
4 |
2 |
42 |
58 |
45 |
6 |
8 |
.291 |
.383 |
.401 |
| 2001 |
Portland |
AAA |
104 |
394 |
60 |
127 |
28 |
1 |
9 |
55 |
37 |
54 |
9 |
2 |
.322 |
.386 |
.467 |
Background
The son of former major-league slugger Jeff Burroughs, Sean Burroughs first gained national attention by leading his Long Beach, California, Little League team to two World Series titles in 1992 and 1993. He was a first-round draft pick in 1998, and has had little trouble with pro pitching, despite being among the youngest players at each level of competition. He will play third base for the Padres in 2002 and will definitely challenge for Rookie of the Year.
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The Rookies
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Throughout spring training, John Sickels will provide in-depth reports on 10 of the hottest rookies to watch. Here's the complete schedule:
Feb. 26: Josh Beckett, Marlins
March 2: Carlos Pena, A's
March 5: Nick Johnson, Yankees
March 8: Sean Burroughs, Padres
March 12: Juan Cruz, Cubs
March 15: Mike Cuddyer, Twins
March 19: Morgan Ensberg, Astros
March 22: Kurt Ainsworth, Giants
March 26: Hank Blalock, Rangers
March 29: Jon Rauch, White Sox
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Scouting report
Burroughs is a pure hitter, with a proven ability to make contact and hit for average against all forms of pitching. He does not have great loft to his swing at this point, but his plus bat speed and good physical strength promise more power to come. His strike zone judgment is excellent, and he's averaged less than 60 strikeouts per season. Burroughs runs decently for a big guy, showing sound instincts on the bases, though he'll never be a big stealer. His glove at third base is good in all respects. Burroughs is mature for his age, and (like most sons of major leaguers) is not intimidated on the field or in the clubhouse.
Performance
Burroughs' numbers match his scouting reports quite well: he's always hit for average. He didn't draw a bunch of walks last year, but he seldom strikes out or swings at bad pitches, and his walk rates should gradually increase. His MLEs for the last two years indicate that he's already capable of hitting .280-.300 in the major leagues. He hasn't shown much home run power yet, but his doubles totals are good, and the power should come in time.
Health record
A torn meniscus in his right knee limited Burroughs to just 104 games last year, though the injury healed fully and won't be a long-term problem. He's also had some shoulder problems, although his throwing arm remains strong and it hasn't had much of an impact on his hitting. It's worth keeping an eye on though.
What to expect
It would be an upset if Burroughs put up Albert Pujols-type numbers anytime soon, as his power has yet to fully develop. In the short run, Burroughs should do about what his MLE says he'll do: hit .290 or so, with 8-12 homers and a decent on-base percentage. That's damn fine for a 21-year old. In the long run, nothing but injuries will prevent him from being an All-Star third baseman, and one of the best players in Padres history.
John Sickels is the author of the 2002 STATS Minor League Scouting Notebook. He is currently writing a biography of Bob Feller. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com, or you can visit his homepage at hometown.aol.com/jasickels/page1.html.
