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Originally Published: December 6, 2004

Angels prospect Dallas McPherson

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By John Sickels
Special to ESPN.com
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Dallas McPherson
Anaheim Angels
Position: 3B Height: 6-4 Weight: 210 Born: 7/22/80 Bats: Left Throws: Right

Background
Dallas McPherson exits 2004 the same way he entered 2004: as one of the top hitting prospects in the game. The difference now is that he's proven himself at the highest level of minor league ball, plus he apparently has a clear shot at a job in The Show. With Troy Glaus moving on as a free agent, the Angels will give McPherson every opportunity to seize the hot corner spot in 2005. A second-round pick out of The Citadel in 2001, McPherson has the potential to be a devastating offensive force. He is not a perfect player, however, and has some weaknesses that will have to be addressed.

Scouting report
One of the physically strongest players in the minors, McPherson has a very muscular body. His power production has increased at each level, due to changes in his approach at the plate. When he entered pro ball, he was less concerned with power production and more concerned with simply making contact. His approach is now more power-focused, with a lot of loft in his swing. Interestingly, this has not hurt his batting average; in fact it has increased. He has good plate discipline and will work to get ahead in the count, but will swing aggressively at anything in the zone. While it hasn't hurt him to this point, his strikeout rate is quite high, and raises some doubts about how much average and OBP he'll produce in the Majors. He's shown the ability to adjust to conditions, and the Angels are confident he will make changes should they become necessary. Defensively, McPherson will never be a gold glove, but his defense has improved. He has a strong arm, and decent range for a big guy. He usually handles hard-hit, quick-reaction plays well, but makes more mistakes when he has time to think about a play. That flaw can be improved through hard work and experience. McPherson runs well for a big man, and will steal a base or two when the defense isn't paying attention. He hits quite a few triples, and is an aggressive runner.

Performance
McPherson collected 40 homers, 36 doubles, and 14 triples this year in the minor leagues. He also struck out 169 times in 135 games, and had problems with contact during his major league exposure. The high strikeout rate is worrisome, and it's quite possible that McPherson won't hit for a good batting average or on-base percentage in 2005. In this respect, he is similar to hitters like Travis Hafner, who struggle with contact issues at first but then make adjustments. Whether McPherson can do that or not remains to be seen, but I'm optimistic in the long run.

Health record
Aside from a bulging disc problem in 2003, McPherson has been generally healthy. His back was fine in '04, and his injury risk appears to be no higher than that of the average player.

What to expect
With Glaus gone, McPherson has a clear way through to the third base job, barring an injury or unforeseen spring training collapse. Cuban megaprospect Kendry Morales, recently signed by the Angels, can also play third base, but projects best as an outfielder at this point and shouldn't have an impact on McPherson's chances unless something strange happens. Going into spring training, McPherson has to be considered an early contender for '05 Rookie of the Year. If he develops as expected, the Angels won't miss Glaus, at least not enough to compensate for the amount of money it would take to keep him. McPherson's strikeouts do add a risk premium to his profile, but the upside is very high.

John Sickels is the author of The 2005 Baseball Prospect Book, which will ship on Feb. 1, 2005. You can pre-order this book at Johnsickels.com. His other book Bob Feller: Ace of the Greatest Generation can be ordered through online book retailors or your local bookstore. John lives in Lawrence, Kan., with his wife Jeri, son Nicholas, and two happy cats.