- Full name B.J. Garbe
- Born
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Garbe was the gem of the nationally acclaimed trio of Moses Lake High prospects in 1999. He went fifth overall, while Jason Cooper (now with the Indians) and Ryan Doumit (Pirates) were taken in the second round. Garbe, who also was a top quarterback recruit after rushing and passing for more than 1,000 yards during his senior year, hasn't been able to translate his natural athleticism into baseball skills in his first four years in pro ball. The Twins hope he can turn the corner as did Torii Hunter, another first-rounder and pure athlete who struggled in the minors before figuring it out. Like Hunter, Garbe's strongest tools are his fly-chasing ability and his plus arm strength. Of course, Garbe's .619 on-base plus slugging percentage while repeating high Class A has skeptics wondering how he'll ever develop into a major league-caliber hitter. While he showcases plus-plus bat speed and generates above-average raw power, Garbe's approach is unrefined and he usually finds himself behind in the count. He hasn't made the adjustments at the plate to lay off offspeed stuff in the dirt because his pitch recognition hasn't improved. This will be a pivotal season for him in Double-A. -
Based on tools alone, Garbe belongs in the Top 10. But the fifth overall pick in 1999 has shown little progress to justify the hype that surrounded him as a highly coveted amateur. He was regarded as the best high school athlete and a better pure hitter than No. 1 overall pick Josh Hamilton. As a high school quarterback, Garbe both rushed and passed for 1,000 yards as a senior. While he has proven to be a natural athlete, he has had a difficult time making adjustments at the plate. He threw 94 mph off the mound in high school and has the strongest outfield arm in the system. He's an above-average defender, but that's not going to carry him to the big leagues. Based on his career .331 slugging percentage, it's hard to envision Garbe becoming a power hitter, but the Twins remain hopeful. He flashes plus tools, including pull power with the snap of his bat. He's somewhat stiff and has been stubborn to improve at the mental aspects of hitting. Garbe will have to dedicate himself to improve his recognition of breaking stuff. Minnesota might let him repeat high Class A this year in hopes he'll start to hit. -
Garbe's 1999 high school team also featured outfielder Jason Cooper (now playing college ball at Stanford) and catcher Ryan Doumit (now with the Pirates), both of whom were drafted in the second round. He signed for a club-record $2.75 million bonus. He's a strong-bodied kid with the chance to develop power and the speed to leg out hits. He played well against older pitchers in instructional league in the fall and has the best outfield arm in the system and the range to play center field. Tools aside, Garbe didn't impress much of anybody in the Midwest League. He chased too many sliders and seldom got into hitter's counts. He never found a swing he liked. Reviews of his overall defense were mixed as well. Garbe likely will repeat the Midwest League, at least to start the season. A star quarterback in high school, he remains the best all-around athlete in the organization, even if it hasn't translated on the baseball diamond yet.
Minor League Top Prospects
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The No. 5 overall pick in this year's draft, Garbe was a two-way star in high school. Though he didn't hit for much power this summer, he should down the road as he can turn on any fastball. Garbe might not remain in center field as he climbs, but he should be a solid outfielder defensively with above-average arm strength. He runs well and can steal a base when needed. "He's got a chance to be a good offensive player and a solid outfielder," Pellant said. "He's got a good work ethic and a good baseball mind."