A Glimpse into the Future: Alfredo Silverio

Baseball America ranked Alfredo Silverio the #4 Dodgers prospect on their top ten list for 2012. Silverio was one of 15 prospects invited to the Dodgers Winter Development Camp at Dodger Stadium. Alfredo had a breakout year with the Chattanooga Lookouts, the Dodgers AA affiliate team. The 24-year old Dominican was signed by the Dodgers in 2003 at the young age of 16 and has been working hard in the minor league system for 6 seasons.

The right handed batter can play all three outfield positions. He is listed at 6’0″ and 205 lbs. He has been described as a young Raul Mondesi.

After being signed by the Dodgers, Alfredo played in the Dominican Summer League for three seasons.

In 2007 Silverio led the Gulf Coast league in batting with a .373 average while playing Rookie ball. He then played for the Great Lakes Loons in the Midwest League for two seasons, but he really didn’t turn any heads just yet.

Before being promoted to Chattanooga, he played in 95 games with the Inland Empire 66ers where he hit .292 with 113 hits in 387 at bats. In 2010 Alfredo suffered a wrist injury that held him back from reaching his potential.  Chattanooga hitting coach Franklin Stubbs said,

"“He’s a very hard worker, and all his hard work has paid off, It’s been a long road for him.”"

Last season Silverio played in 132 games for the Lookouts, finishing with a .306 batting average, 16 homeruns, and 85 RBI. He struck out 91 times with 30 walks, so he does need to work on his plate discipline. Yet Silverio definitely began to pique interest as he walloped 18 triples, 1 shy of Alan Trammel’s league record of 19 set back in 1977. Silverio also led the Double-A Southern League in total bases (289) and triples (18) while finishing second in doubles (42) and hits (163).

Silverio made waves this past summer when he homered during the XM All-Star Futures Game as a representative of the World. This annual exhibition game, which began in 1999, highlights top minor league prospects representing the world and the U.S. It takes place the same week as the MLB All-Star Game. Silverio’s two-run homer came in the 6th inning off of lefty Drew Pomeranz. The U.S. won over the World 6-4.

Silverio played mostly center field with the Lookouts, but since that’s Matt Kemp‘s territory for awhile, he most likely would play left field. With Juan Rivera and Tony Gwynn Jr. both signed this offseason, unfortunately Silverio looks to be farther back in line with Jerry Sands ahead of him.

The Dodgers added Silverio along with Scott Van Slyke to the 40-man roster this past November in order to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft.

Silverio described his hope for the future:

"“I want to play in the Majors with the Dodgers, LA is my dream.”"