The Golden Sombrero’s Top 50 Prospects: #36 – Derek Norris (Video)
January 21, 2011
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Posted by Daniel "Dee" Clark
#36 Derek Norris – Nationals
C
DOB: 2-14-89
ETA: 2012
As a 21-year old in the Carolina League, Norris slashed .235/.419/.419 and went deep 12 times. The batting average is a product of a low contact percentage, but his walk rate is through the roof. Norris’s plate discipline is considered the finest in the Nats’ organization, and his power should continue to develop over the next few years. If Norris stays behind the plate, he has a chance to be an All-Star if the voters can overlook a high number of strikeouts. Either way, he will likely provide a high OBP, especially if compared to other backstops around the league. There has been talk within the organization suggesting that Norris will play first base on a daily basis in the Majors to accommodate Wilson Ramos. Norris completely annihilated AFL pitching this fall posting an OPS of 1.070, and the Nats should let him start the year in Double-A. If he hits no speed bumps between now and the end of 2011, then there is a chance Norris is in the Opening Day lineup in 2012. It’s probably more realistic to expect to see him toward the middle of the 2012 season, but he has a shot at 1,000 Big League AB’s by his 26th birthday.
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