Prospect Profile: Elvis Andrus

Name: Elvis Andrus
Age: 18
Pos: SS
Height: 6-0
Weight: 185
Bats: R
Throws: R

History:
The Braves signed Elvis Andrus in January of 2005 when he was 16 out of his home country of Venezuela. It was obvious that Elvis was special when he hit .295 for the Gulf Coast Braves at the age of 16. His ability to draw 19 walks versus 28 strikeouts in 166 at-bats shows that Elvis already has the plate discipline necessary to be a good hitter. Elvis hit 2 home runs, drove in 20, and stole 7 bases in his first season of professional ball. His success as a 16-year-old lead him to be promoted to single A Rome in 2006 while only 17.

2006:
Elvis made great strides as a 17 year-old but also showed a lot of areas where he needs to work. Making the all-star team was the highlight of the season for Andrus. I don't think too many 17 year-olds can say they were all-stars at the single-A level. Areas to work on would be stolen base efficiency, defense, power, and strike zone judgement. Andrus's final line of .265/.324/.362 isn't great but the coaches raved about him saying that he has something special that other players don't have. Andrus's shortcomings are things that take time to master and there is no doubt that Andrus has all of the physical tools to be a great player someday.

Projected:
Elvis's ceiling is sky high. He has the tools to be a perennial all-star at the major league level. However, he is also very young so there is a chance he might fizzle out before he gets there. All indications are that he will be a utility guy at worst and an all-star at best. All he has to do is refine his skills which are so abundant. He probably won't be ready for at least 3 more years so Yunel Escobar might keep shortstop warm until he gets there unless the Braves keep Renteria and move Yunel to third. I'm looking forward to seeing Andrus progress and improve during his tour through the minor leagues.

Year Team  G   AB  R  H   2B  3B  HR  RBI  SB  BB  SO AVG  OBP  SLG
2005 GCL   46  166 26 49  6   1   3   20   7   19  28 .295 .377 .398
2005 Dan   6   18  3  5   1   0   0   1    1   4   4  .278 .409 .333
2006 Rome  111 437 67 116 25  4   3   50   23  36  91 .265 .324 .362