Austin Gallagher – L.A. Dodgers 3B/1B

H/W:  6-5  215 lb.     B/T:  L/R     DOB:  11/16/88

The Dodgers challenged their young 3B shuttling him to High-A Inland Empire for the '08 season.  Gallagher was up to the task, batting .293 with 5 HR 55 RBI and 33 doubles in just 78 games.  Though his fence-clearing power has yet to show up, one look at Austin's tall, powerfully built frame shows that it will indeed come.  Gallagher worked dilligently last season to avoid opening up his hips prematurely and as a result, he hit balls well to the other field, but was unable to consistenly tap into his pull power.  Given some time and strength development, this should not be a long term issue.  What will be, though, is hs lack of fluidity in the field and on the basepaths.  Splitting time at both 3B and 1B, the young infielder struggled with the glove committing 25 errors in just 78 games.  The Dodgers would also like to see him shore up his plate discipline (29 BB/73 K) a little bit.  The fact that Gallagher was playing at an advanced level as a 19 year old, though, shows that the organization feels optimistic about the potential blend of power and batting average that Austin can bring to the table in next couple of seasons.

2009 Preview: The good performance at Inland Empire almost assures Gallagher of a promotion to L.A.'s new AA affiliate in Chattanooga.  Perhaps this can be the season that Austin can clear the fences with a little more regularity.  Keep an eye on his HR totals as they will need to increase significantly, especially given the fact that his future as a 3B prospect is fading quickly.  One oddity in Gallagher's '08 season is the fact that, while he swooned in August (.174 BA), his plate discipline increased (10 BB/9 K).  A breakthrough in that department should allow for him to threaten the .300 mark as a hitter and elevate his status as a noteworthy corner infield prospect.

Key Austin Gallagher Baseball Cards:

  • 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
  • 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/500

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