2011 Indians Top 50 Prospects: #50 Juan Romero

Juan Romero – Third Baseman
Born: 06/16/1993 - Height: 6’1” - Weight: 175 - Bats: Right - Throws: Right

(Photo: Tony Lastoria)

History: Romero was a free agent signing out of the Dominican Republic by the Indians in 2010. The Indians were pretty high on him when he signed, and aggressively pushed him to rookie-level Arizona without even sending him to the Dominican Summer League. At rookie level Arizona he tied for the league lead in home runs and was 14^th in OPS.

Strengths: Romero only turned 17-years old in mid-June and showed incredible raw power for his age.  He has tons of upside with a great swing and a good body that should lead to even more strength as he matures. He is improving as a defender and has all the tools to be a solid third baseman, and may have the most projection of any third baseman in the system, which says a lot with the likes of Lonnie Chisenhall, Giovanny Urshela, and Kyle Bellows around. Because of his athleticism and strong arm, the Indians feel that he could also one day make a smooth transition to right field, but that will only be as a fallback as their main priority is to develop him at third base.

Opportunities: The strikeouts are obviously a big issue with Romero, but time is on his side and his plate discipline and strikeout issues are something that the Indians will focus on going forward. His raw power and athleticism combined with his plate discipline woes are a lot like that of Abner Abreu when he first came into the system, so while the upside is exciting, there is still a lot of improvements to be made.

Outlook: Romero made some big strides in his pro debut in 2010, and due to his youth and projection his developmental curve is still very far ahead of him. The Indians plan to be aggressive with a lot of their young Latin and high school signings this year, so he will get a chance to move up another level in 2011. He should open the season in extended spring training and then when short season leagues start up in June should be assigned to Single-A Mahoning Valley.

Year	Age	Team	Lvl	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
2010	17	AZL Indians	R	40	145	21	35	10	2	7	14	16	67	2	.241	.321	.483	.804
		Totals		40	145	21	35	10	2	7	14	16	67	2	.241	.321	.483	.804

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