Every weekday from February 7-25, I'll be publishing a prospect profile from my top 30 Detroit Tigers prospect list. The profiles that appear here on Bless You Boys were the ones that were cut for space from this year's Maple Street Press Tigers Annual. You'll be able to read half the list for free, but I'd really encourage you to order the annual for the other half (not to mention all the other great content).
Andy Dirks, OF, Grade C
Bats L, Throws L, Height 6'0", Weight 195 lbs, Date of Birth January 24, 1986
An 8th round draft pick in 2008, the best words to describe Andy Dirks are scrappy and gritty. He he broke out in a big way in 2010, hitting .278/.342/.425 at AA Erie in 434 plate appearances and .375/.398/.648 in 98 plate appearances in AAA Toledo. The Erie line isn't great, and the Toledo line isn't his true talent level. But with a little more power, Dirks could make a pretty good fourth outfielder, especially after you factor in his speed (19 stolen bases in AA) and his ability to play in both center and left. He could be up as soon as next year, though giving him a full year of plate appearances in Toledo to see if he can keep those power numbers high would be a pretty good move. Maybe he's got another breakout in him, though that's unlikely.