Corban Joseph Scouting Report (2009)
A former 4th round pick in the 2008 draft, Corban Joseph has received Chase Utley comparisons as an offense-minded second baseman. In 2009, Joseph rebounded from a slow start to post a .300/.381/.418 line showing the ability to both take a walk and limit strikeouts at an early age.
Physique and Athleticism: Listed at 6'0", 168 lbs., Joseph had a lean frame with physical definition, but little in terms of size. While his baseball movements were fluid, he will need to add significant size and strength which may be difficult considering his frame.
Offense: Joseph did little to stand out beyond wearing no batting gloves which I personally enjoy seeing. His stance was athletic, load was relatively quiet, and swing was loose and fluid through the strike zone. However, he had little wrist snap and power behind his swing. Joseph did not look to pull the ball. Instead, he seemed more comfortable guiding pitches back through the box.
Defense: Much of Joseph's prospect value is tied into whether or not he will be able to stay at second base. In the game I attended, he made the start at third base and showed enough stiffness through the lower body for me to wonder if he can maintain the lateral range to remain at second base over the long term. He did not have an opportunity to showcase his arm.
Speed: Joseph is a "heady" base runner, but does not have the speed to project any real stolen base ability.
Corban Joseph's prospect status has been buoyed by the New York Yankees system being as weak as it has been in a number of years. Instead of Chase Utley comparisons, I would feel much more comfortable throwing out Bill Mueller as Joseph's upside. Over a decade-long career, Mueller posted a .291/.373/.425 triple slash line playing the majority of his career at third base with a smattering of second base play.
Physique and Athleticism: Listed at 6'0", 168 lbs., Joseph had a lean frame with physical definition, but little in terms of size. While his baseball movements were fluid, he will need to add significant size and strength which may be difficult considering his frame.
Offense: Joseph did little to stand out beyond wearing no batting gloves which I personally enjoy seeing. His stance was athletic, load was relatively quiet, and swing was loose and fluid through the strike zone. However, he had little wrist snap and power behind his swing. Joseph did not look to pull the ball. Instead, he seemed more comfortable guiding pitches back through the box.
Defense: Much of Joseph's prospect value is tied into whether or not he will be able to stay at second base. In the game I attended, he made the start at third base and showed enough stiffness through the lower body for me to wonder if he can maintain the lateral range to remain at second base over the long term. He did not have an opportunity to showcase his arm.
Speed: Joseph is a "heady" base runner, but does not have the speed to project any real stolen base ability.
Corban Joseph's prospect status has been buoyed by the New York Yankees system being as weak as it has been in a number of years. Instead of Chase Utley comparisons, I would feel much more comfortable throwing out Bill Mueller as Joseph's upside. Over a decade-long career, Mueller posted a .291/.373/.425 triple slash line playing the majority of his career at third base with a smattering of second base play.
