Jared Clark -1B, 3B & DH - Asheville Tourists

Jared Clark a right handed hitting first baseman for the Asheville Tourists has gotten an opportunity to play and has made the most of it. With Mike Zuanich currently on the disabled list Clark has assumed the role of the everyday first baseman. The Colorado Rockies selected Clark in the 12th round of the 2009 draft out of Cal State Fullerton.

Clark's a tall strong player that can hit to all fields with power. Has shown power at all levels. Hits for average as well despite high strike out numbers (once every five at bats). Is a run producer and fits well in the third spot in the line-up. Lacks aggression at times at the plate. Takes a lot of pitches and has tendency to strike out looking. Addresses plate with a crouched open stance and hands/arms around the ears (a right handed approach similar to Ryan Church of the Pittsburgh Pirates). Wraps the bat in a busy load which causes some long casted swings. Current weakness is the inside pitch. Taking strikes gives pitchers opportunity to pound him inside. To compensate, starts his swing (prestep/load) early in effort to catch up to the inside fastball. Will need to shorten swing from beginning to end as he progresses through system in order to remain successful and continue advancement at the plate.

Student of the game type guy. Has played everywhere on field throughout career. Has firm grasp of team concept (Team USA experience and College World Series participant) and plenty of experience as well. This provides a leadership and field general quality.

Defensively plays a solid first base. Reacts well to ball at first. Plays the ball, not the player throwing the ball. Handles short hops, errant throws and can stretch to get a ball when needed. Is quick off the bag when holding runners on and is ready to handle any batted ball. Reacts quickly and knows where to go with the ball when it comes his way. Moves well to his left and right. Moves to keep the ball in front. Can play either infield corner. Arm strength is solid, but has long slinging arm action at times, but has the arm strength to play right field if necessary.

Is a little older than most draft picks from the same year, luckily his experience internationally and in CWS should compensate for that "late start." Will not have trouble finding an everyday spot in the lineup when Zuanich returns from injury. Positional flexibility is a huge benefit for Clark. The organization is pretty heavy at the first base position, including a higher 2009 draft pick than Clark in Ben Paulsen (3rd round out of Clemson University) playing for the Advanced - A Modesto Nuts. However, Paulsen, Kiel Rolling & Matt Repec (AA Tulsa Drillers), Mike Paulk and Brad Eldred (AAA Colorado Springs Sky Sox) are all having less than stellar seasons looking solely at the numbers. Thus, there is the potential for internal movement at first base in the organization.