J.D. Closser - No. 18 of Baseball's Best Minor League Players - MLN Fab50 (FAB 50) 2004 - MLN Sports Zone

Name: J.D. Closser

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 195 lbs.

Position: Catcher [C]

Bats/Throws: S/R

DOB: 01/15/1980

Organization: Colorado Rockies

Acquired: Traded to Rockies by Arizona Diamondbacks in 2002

Current Team: Colorado Springs Sky Sox – Pacific Coast League - AAA

The deal that sent J.D. Closser to the Rockies may be one that later generations of D-backs fans will discuss, much as Dodgers fans remember less-than-fondly that Beantown's Pedro was part of their farm system once.

Closser's passion and his intensity are winning him friends within the Rockies farm system.

He's not ready for prime time yet, but his energy and determination are putting him on the short list for the bigs.

“JD has a passion for the position of catching,” says Rockies Director of Player Personnel, Bill Geivett. “He’s very offensive orientated, but he knows the defensive area is where he needs to concentrate on.”

Closser flourished the past two seasons in Double-A playing for two managers who were also former catchers. His intense approach to the game has caught the attention of the Rockies front office.

Geivett thinks Closser is doing his part to gain a good look as the Rockies starting catcher of the future.

“He knows the strike zone and he has a very good feel in the box,” Geivett tells MLN. “J.D. should be an everyday catcher in the big leagues with potential to be an all-star.”

Closser has current Colorado catchers Todd Greene and Charles Johnson looking over their shoulders, as neither player has been able to add much firepower to the Rockies lineup this season.

With his solid bat and emerging defensive skills, Closser has a good shot to become the Rockies’ starting backstop after 2005 spring training.

With a little polish he's a top-ten pick. We like him because he's got "Major Attitude™." He hits the Fab50 at number 18.

[Gallery of Stars] [By Position] [By Club] [By League]
Recommended for DSL
or higher connections

| Back | Next |

| Top of Article |

Player: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 |
| 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 |

| Ones 2 Watch | iBest™ 2004 Indy Players |