Name: Eric Haase
Position: Catcher
Current team: Low-A Lake County Captains
Age: 20
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 180
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
2013 stats: .256 AVG, 28 R, 14 2B, 2 3B, 9 HR, 29 RBI, 19 BB, 72 K, 2 SB, .777 OPS
Fact & Info: The Indians selected Haase in the 7th round of the 2011 Draft out of Divine Child High School (MI). He had a commitment to attend Ohio State University but signed with the Indians for $580,000. Last season he finished 9th in the Arizona League in slugging percentage (.515), and he threw out 13-of-50 attempted base-stealers (26.0%).
The Offense: Haase is an athletic, high upside player that has a strong set of tools. Offensively, he is a grinder that puts up quality at bats on a consistent basis, and what really stands out the most about him is his ability to attack the baseball. He has a good swing and generates good bat speed, and has some plus power potential to hit the ball out to any part of the ballpark.
The Defense: Haase shows a lot of athleticism behind the plate with a strong arm and quick release, good instincts, and upside that make the Indians believe he can stay behind the plate and become a solid Major League backstop. As he picks up the nuances with catching and is exposed to more coaching his development curve is expected to improve. The Indians are going to exhaust every opportunity to have him stay as a catcher, but he has some experience at third base and has the athleticism to play almost any other position on the diamond.
The Intangibles: Haase shows a good amount of athleticism and is a good runner for a catcher. He has a lot of self-discipline and motivation to become a really good baseball player, and has shown leadership as a catcher.
The Focus: Haase is raw, so he will take some time to develop as a catcher and will continue to be a work in progress defensively the next few seasons. He has made some big strides with his swing, staying more balanced, and driving the ball. He is still developing his approach at the plate as he lacks patience and strikes out a lot, and as a young hitter he has a tendency to expand the zone.
The Future: This is a big year for Haase to more firmly establish himself as one of the Indians best young players in the system. It will take another few years for his true talents to show, but there is no doubt he is one of the most interesting young prospects to follow in a system loaded with talent in the lower levels. If the discipline at the plate ever comes, he has the chance to be a very good prospect for the Indians.
