MORE PROSPECTS: Top 50 Rankings | Risers, fallers
Sweeney stalled a bit at Triple-A this year, but he has the tools to be a productive big league hitter. The switch-hitting Sweeney has above-average bat speed, solid plate discipline and plus athleticism. As he matures, I think he’ll develop at least average power and he could eventually hit 15-plus home runs. Sweeney is also a base-stealing threat, but he gets thrown out more than he should given his plus speed. Though he swiped 32 bases at Triple-A this year, he was also caught stealing 13 times; he was just 15-for-31 in steals last year.
Sweeney definitely has more upside than either of the Phillies’ current middle infielders, and he should get a chance to prove himself in the next few weeks. That said, he’s only an average defender, so he’ll need to produce at the plate to win a permanent job. Long-term, Sweeney projects as someone who will post a decent batting average, take his share of walks, steal 20-plus bags and show occasional power.
Meanwhile, John Richy has average stuff and is a longshot to have a big league impact.
