The Book on Jacoby Ellsbury

Graduated Prospect Info

Now that he's no longer rookie-eligible, The Book is closed on Jacoby Ellsbury as a prospect. This page remains as a historical record of his time in our prospect list.

Last bio and ranking update: 11/1/2007.

BOSJacoby Ellsbury
Born 9/11/1983
OF, BOS

Anyone who follows baseball knows that Coco Crisp was supposed to replace Johnny Damon in Boston: a speedster centerfielder with high contact and game-making smarts. But anyone who follows Sox baseball also knows this: Coco Crisp ain't no Johnny Damon.

Enter Ellsbury, a base-stealing machine who infuriates defenses by hitting or bunting to all fields. On defense, he might have enough range to cover center and left field together, extending the career of Manny Ramirez even further.

After his performance in the postseason of 2007, he's certain to open 2008 on the Sox roster, and probably in their starting lineup. Expect some bumps along the way, but once he settles in he should be a solid contributor in the steals and runs categories, at least. Of course, his standout postseason will also ensure that he goes about 10 rounds too early in most offseason drafts, so if someone in your league is willing to overbid... let them.

Player Updates and Notes

No trade to the Twins means that Ellsbury is likely to spend a big chunk of the season supported by a much better lineup in a better hitter's park. That's a plus plus for our offensive expectations of this rising star.

2/7/2008 by KDaddy

To nobody's surprise, the Red Sox have been actively shopping Coco Crisp around, making it clear they consider Ellsbury to be ready to open the 2008 season as their starting CF.

11/13/2007 by KDaddy

 

 

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