Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Prospect Nation 2012: #17 2B Harold Garcia

Posted by Jay Floyd, Sat, February 04, 2012 10:05 AM | Comments: 3
2012 Top 25 Prospects, Blog, Minor Leagues, Posts, Prospecting, R-Phils

Harold Garcia was signed as a free agent at the age of 17 back in 2004. The 5-foot-11-inch, 190-pounder got his professional career started with three seasons in the Venezuelan Summer League before heading to the United States to continue his ascent up the developmental ranks.

In three seasons playing in the VSL, Garcia’s offensive progression was evident, as he posted batting averages that increased annually- .226, .273, .296.

After arriving stateside, Garcia spent the 2008 season with the Gulf Coast League Phillies, where he batted .299 with 5 homers and a .907 OPS in 50 games, leading his club to the league championship.

In 2009, Garcia continued his winning ways, helping the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws lock down the South Atlantic League championship. As a member of the BlueClaws, Garcia finished third in the SAL with 42 stolen bases. He also batted .291 with 8 homers and 55 RBI with a .765 OPS in 118 games that season.

At age 23 in 2010, Garcia really proved himself worthy of considerable praise when he posted a .305 batting average with an .807 OPS and 29 steals in 101 games at two levels. He made headlines that year when, as a member of the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, he set the all-time Florida State League hit streak record at 37 games. After subsequently being named Phillies minor league player of the month for June, Garcia was promoted to the Double-A Reading Phillies. As a member of the R-Phils, the switch-hitting Garcia posted a solid line of .281/.340/.403.

Primed for a big year in 2011, Garcia’s season ended after just 12 games when he tore ligaments in his right knee. In that limited action, Garcia sported a .300 average with 3 doubles, 2 homeruns and 4 RBI.

Fully recovered over the off-season, Garcia spent some time with the his hometown Aguilas del Zulia in the Venezuelan Winter League. In 2 games, the 25-year-old went 1-for-5 with a walk.

Primarily a second baseman throughout his career, Garcia has also played third base (66 games) and shortstop (3) games during his professional career. He even dabbled in the outfield at fall instructional league in 2010. In the field, Garcia ranks well above average, but he may need to spend more times at those other positions to increase his versatility and value.

Speed is definitely a key aspect of Garcia’s game as he has stolen 107 bases in his pro career. However, his 76% career success rate certainly leaves some room for improvement.

Barring any setbacks, Garcia, a member of the Phillies’ 40-man roster, could see a solid amount of time with the big club in spring training. If Garcia can pick up where he left off last year, he could be counted on as a filler if injuries to the infield arise this season or join the Phils as a September call up this year.

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2012 prospect countdown index can be found HERE.

Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league insider.  You can read more from Jay by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.

3 Comments  View Comments: Newest FirstOldest First Expand AllExpand Newest  

Posts: 0 BART SHART

Based on his power numbers and age, he looks like a career utility player in the Bigs. That can be a very valuable position. He may be our next Mariano Duncan.

 Reply to this PostFlag commentPosted: 10:13 AM on February 4, 2012

 

Posts: 109 Jay Floyd

I really thought he had a great shot at being an injury replacement or Sept call up last yr. Tough luck with that injury.

Garcia had become a really good hitter in recent years. 2012 will be a telling year for his career.

 Reply to this PostFlag commentPosted: 01:16 PM on February 4, 2012

 

Posts: 0 bacardipr05

I always thought this guy would get the call to the big show. His numbers have warranted it. Sucked just as he was showing that he should at least be considered for the call, he has a season ending injury. Maybe if he takes more rep at SS, it will increase his chances of getting that call assuming he keeps up the success at the plate. He is getting up their in age so hopefully it will pan out for him.

 Reply to this PostFlag commentPosted: 04:16 PM on February 4, 2012

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tavian commented on the blog post Phillies Nation Interview: Roman Quinn   8 seconds ago · View

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LOL. Just figured I would throw that out there. :) Besides, depending on you ask, we wouldnt have to worry about it, because apparently Oswalt will sign for $3-4 Mill. LOL. NOT.

Subscribe and Share Minor League NewsPhillies Nation Interview: Roman QuinnPhillies Nation Interview with Mickey Morandini Prospect Nation 2012: #18 LHP Jake DiekmanProspect Nation 2012: #19 3B Maikel FrancoPhillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. Interview Recent CommentsBART SHART: Come on without....Come on within...When Quinn the Roman gets here, yeah !!!.......Everybody's gonna root for him.Or atkenstee: Just a few short years ago the Nationals actually INVITED Phillies fans to come down to the season opener. LOL!!!Brian Sr. of CO: LOL. Just figured I would throw that out there. :) Besides, depending on you ask, we wouldntBrian Sr. of CO: EJ, if you want to be taken seriously, get your facts right. 3MM for Thome? LOL. $559,000EricL: Yeah. Tomato to-mah-to.Brian Sr. of CO: You consider jumping on a tractor to dig out his neighborhood and helping family and friends dig out from aBrian Sr. of CO: I am guessing you mean for the Luxury Tax? MLB does not have a salary cap.Tom Taylor: I don't see any real bad points here (Phil's fans always know there team) I think it's a matter ofAidan: Why are so many people bashing on Kendrick? Sure he has been a little inconsistent at times but people forgetEarl Driscoll: Use this link to purchase 4 tickets to the Phillies games that are not available and get a 5th gameRSS

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2012 Phillies Salaries 

Charlie Manuel

$3 million

 

Cliff Lee

$21.5 million

 

Ryan Howard

$20 million

 

Roy Halladay

$20 million

 

Chase Utley

$15 million

 

Jonathan Papelbon

$11 million

 

Jimmy Rollins

$11 million

 

Cole Hamels

$9.5 million

 

Shane Victorino

$9.5 million

 

Joe Blanton

$8.5 million

 

Hunter Pence

$6.9 million

 

Placido Polanco

$6.25 million

 

Ty Wigginton

$4 million

 

Carlos Ruiz

$3.7 million

 

Jose Contreras

$2.5 million

 

Kyle Kendrick

$2.45 million

 

Jim Thome

$1.25 million

 

Laynce Nix

$1.15 million

 

Dontrelle Willis

$850,000

 

Brian Schneider

$800,000

 

John Mayberry

$414,000

 

Vance Worley

$405,000

 

Antonio Bastardo

$405,000

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