|
2008 Ross's 2007 was as bad as his 2006 was good. A late-season concussion kept him out for the better part of August, and he looked shaky even after returning. Ross's defensive problems keep him from being more than a timeshare backstop with the potential to have an occasional hot month at the plate. 2007 Although Ross` season might seem ridiculously out of character, he did hit .258/.336/.556 backing up Paul Lo Duca for the Dodgers in 2003. Ross also played more in 2006 than in any season since he was in Triple-A Las Vegas in 2002, and he hasn`t been an everyday player since 1999, in High-A Vero Beach. Which is all to say that Ross has had a pretty unusual career path already, and it isn`t inconceivable that, after being constantly overlooked, he could be the new Tim Laudner. He`s a good backstop and deters the running game, he`ll take a walk if played regularly, and he can bust a cookie to crumbs when a pitcher makes a mistake. Sharing the job with Valentin, he`ll give the Reds a cheap and effective catching set-up at a time when teams are throwing millions of dollars at Rod Barajas. 2005 Ouchie. There's no way to polish that season. Ross was awful; there was no part of his game that was a positive for the Dodgers. Even in Chavez Ravine, you have to hit more than .170, and striking out in over a third of your at bats isn't good, either. Ross will have to step it up to guarantee himself a roster spot that comes with major league meal money. He's got enough pop to do it, and can be useful if he can ever top .240. 2003 Lo Duca, the next generation? Ross has progressed nicely through the minors, getting better at each level. He’s driving the ball more consistently since learning to keep his weight back longer and after bulking up. His pitch selection is far from perfect, but it’s improving. He won’t embarrass himself defensively either. After declining the option on Chad Kreuter, the Dodgers could have penciled Ross in for the backup catcher’s job had they not picked up two years of Todd Hundley. Tough break for Ross, who’s a sleeper waiting for an opportunity. 2002 Ross has some skills. His defense is considered solid, he can hit for some power, and he will draw some walks. Catcher isn't exactly where this organization needs help. Ross has a shot at a pretty good major-league career, be it in L.A. or somewhere else. If he can bump up his production 10% or so, he has a shot to be Robert Fick off the bench for some team for a long time.
|