MLB Dirt

We all know Rickie Weeks- the 28 year old slugging second baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers- but how many of us know who is brother is?  Jemile Weeks was originally drafted in the 8^th round of the 2005 draft by the Brewers but went on to attend college at the University of Miami. Weeks was then drafted by the Athletics in the first round, pick 12, of the 2008 draft.

The 5’9” 170lb, switch-hitting second baseman is currently playing for the AAA Sacramento River Cats. Weeks, 24 years old is in his 4^th professional season and this season has already been one of his best. This has been his first taste of the AAA level and based on how he has been playing, he is not far from the bigs. Through 24 games, Weeks is hitting .351/.443/.526 in 116 plate appearances. He has proven to be one of the best lead-off hitters in the Pacific Coast league and his average ranks 10^th in the league. Weeks’ .443 OBP ranks 4^th in the PCL and he has one of the best BB% in the league.

Weeks is a very athletic player with good speed. This along with his solid contact and good eye makes for a good leadoff hitter. He can also slap the ball to both sides of the field well. Weeks has not stolen a lot of bases through his career thus far, a large part of it due to injuries, but the speed certainly is there. Over the course of his minor league career, he has not shown much power but he could very possibly develop more power over time. Prior to this season he had hit only 15 homeruns over the course of 3 years. Weeks has hit 2 homeruns this year which is one short of his total from last year. He has a very quick explosive swing so he has the ability to hit for more power. We must also remember that he is only 170lb so as he bulks up, more power should come.

Like I mentioned above, Weeks is very athletic but his fielding is pretty raw. He has not shown the best tools at second base but his quickness makes him an average fielder. He is a very hard working player which he has proven over the course of his career so he could still improve his fielding.

The A’s current second baseman is the aging Mark Ellis. Ellis is hitting a very ugly .185/.215/.266 in 132 plate appearances. If he doesn’t pick it up, then the A’s should be calling Weeks’ name very soon. I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Weeks and he is a very great guy. I think he has what it takes to be an average MLB second baseman that will be a nice fit batting number one or two in the lineup. If Week’s keep his hot start up I would expect him to be the A’s starting second baseman by June 2^nd.

Filed under: On the Farm - Prospects Tagged: | A's, Jemile Weeks, Mark Ellis, Rickie Weeks