Ian Stewart
Full Name: Ian K. Stewart
Position: 3B
Born: April 5, 1985 in Long Beach, California
Height: 6-3 Weight: 200
Bats: Left Throws: Right
High School: La Quinta High School (Westminster,CA)
College:
Drafted: Selected by Colorado Rockies in 1st round (10th overall) of 2003 amateur entry draft (June Regular Phase)
Ian Stewart had a down year in 2006 especially in the homerun department. It's quite puzzling that a young man with his kind of power could only hit 10 homers in 462 official AB's. You might see that kind of production from a puny infielder. Look for Stewart to rebound in 2007.
Because of Garrett Atkins there's talk of moving Stewart to the outfield, however, I'll be very surprised if the Rockies decide to do that. Stewart is a big kid. He is a thirdbaseman deluxe and, besides, the Rox have some pretty good corner outfielders in the system already. Don't freak out too much, but look for the Rockies to dangle him out there for some prime pitching prospects.
We'll have more on Ian as the winter moves in.
Year Team Leg Age Lvl G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO Avg Obp Slg Ops
2003 Casper Pio 18 Rk 57 224 40 71 14 5 10 43 4 1 29 54 .317 .401 .558 959
2004 Asheville SAL 19 A 131 505 92 161 31 9 30 101 19 9 66 112 .319 .398 .594 992
2005 Modesto Calif 20 A 112 435 83 119 32 7 17 86 2 2 52 113 .274 .353 .497 850
2006 Tulsa Tex 21 AA 120 462 75 124 41 7 10 71 3 8 50 103 .268 .351 .452 803
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Totals 420 1626 290 475 118 28 67 301 28 20 197 382 .292 .373 .523 896
2006
Wow' is the best word to describe Ian Stewart. He has all the tools to become a star. "He is a big, strong kid. He generates a lot of power," slugger Matt Holliday told the media. "You watch him and it's obvious why he was a first-round pick."
Obviously something has to give with Garrett Atkins already playing 3rd for the Rox. This writer has been reporting that it would be very difficult for Stewart to knock Atkins out, and that still may be, but now that I've had a few looks at Stewart, I'm not sure that it won't be long before Atkins is either on the block or something major will be in the works in terms of position shuffling.
Stewart has exciting left-handed power to all fields, especially to the right power ally, which is gold for a Coors Field player. It's possible that he could hit over .300 but most likely will fall just below that mark. He'll most certainly hit over 30 homers a year.
He plays an acceptable defense for now that will get better as he gets more reps. "He's been excellent." reports Clint Hurdle on Stewart's play in the field, "No one says he's not a good third baseman. He's got tremendous poise. He's not awed by anything. He's just very comfortable, excited when he plays and, obviously, you can see what he does when he swings the bat."
Position: 3B
Born: April 5, 1985 in Long Beach, California
Height: 6-3 Weight: 200
Bats: Left Throws: Right
High School: La Quinta High School (Westminster,CA)
College:
Drafted: Selected by Colorado Rockies in 1st round (10th overall) of 2003 amateur entry draft (June Regular Phase)
Ian Stewart had a down year in 2006 especially in the homerun department. It's quite puzzling that a young man with his kind of power could only hit 10 homers in 462 official AB's. You might see that kind of production from a puny infielder. Look for Stewart to rebound in 2007.
Because of Garrett Atkins there's talk of moving Stewart to the outfield, however, I'll be very surprised if the Rockies decide to do that. Stewart is a big kid. He is a thirdbaseman deluxe and, besides, the Rox have some pretty good corner outfielders in the system already. Don't freak out too much, but look for the Rockies to dangle him out there for some prime pitching prospects.
We'll have more on Ian as the winter moves in.
Year Team Leg Age Lvl G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO Avg Obp Slg Ops
2003 Casper Pio 18 Rk 57 224 40 71 14 5 10 43 4 1 29 54 .317 .401 .558 959
2004 Asheville SAL 19 A 131 505 92 161 31 9 30 101 19 9 66 112 .319 .398 .594 992
2005 Modesto Calif 20 A 112 435 83 119 32 7 17 86 2 2 52 113 .274 .353 .497 850
2006 Tulsa Tex 21 AA 120 462 75 124 41 7 10 71 3 8 50 103 .268 .351 .452 803
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals 420 1626 290 475 118 28 67 301 28 20 197 382 .292 .373 .523 896
2006
Wow' is the best word to describe Ian Stewart. He has all the tools to become a star. "He is a big, strong kid. He generates a lot of power," slugger Matt Holliday told the media. "You watch him and it's obvious why he was a first-round pick."
Obviously something has to give with Garrett Atkins already playing 3rd for the Rox. This writer has been reporting that it would be very difficult for Stewart to knock Atkins out, and that still may be, but now that I've had a few looks at Stewart, I'm not sure that it won't be long before Atkins is either on the block or something major will be in the works in terms of position shuffling.
Stewart has exciting left-handed power to all fields, especially to the right power ally, which is gold for a Coors Field player. It's possible that he could hit over .300 but most likely will fall just below that mark. He'll most certainly hit over 30 homers a year.
He plays an acceptable defense for now that will get better as he gets more reps. "He's been excellent." reports Clint Hurdle on Stewart's play in the field, "No one says he's not a good third baseman. He's got tremendous poise. He's not awed by anything. He's just very comfortable, excited when he plays and, obviously, you can see what he does when he swings the bat."
In the News
12/8/06.. addition.. Rocky
Ian Stewart, the Rockies' first-round draft pick in 2003, will get his first extended look in the outfield at spring training, but O'Dowd said Stewart primarily will play at third base with Triple-A Colorado Springs when the season starts.
Stewart probably will wind up in the outfield in the majors because of the presence of Garrett Atkins. He has worked some on outfield play this offseason with Joe Mikulik, his manager with Single-A Asheville (N.C.) two years ago and also the father of Stewart's fiancee. Stewart will be married Dec. 15 in Asheville.
11/29/06.. addition.. Baseball Weekly
A first-round pick in 2003, Stewart has stalled a bit, partly because of injuries, but he's still regarded as a top prospect after driving in 71 runs for Double-A Tulsa. The biggest problem for Stewart, 21, might be that he plays the same position as Rockies cornerstone Garrett Atkins, so a move to the outfield could be in his future.
Gustafson says Stewart has the ability to handle it. "He's a good enough athlete, a la Chipper Jones," Gustafson says. "He's got an impact bat and gap-to-gap power."
Stewart figures to start next season at Triple-A Colorado Springs.
11/23/06.. addition.. sportingnews.com
The players on the 2007 top 10 list that didn't crack the top 10 this year, with one just barely making the top 50. That one would be Ian Stewart, who was an extreme disappointment in 2006. Playing for the Tulsa Drillers, wrist issues limited Stewart to just 120 games, and his performance was lackluster at best. Stewart hit just .268 in 462 at-bats with 10 homers and 71 RBIs in a league that sharply favors hitters.
Simply put, Stewart makes the top 50 solely because of previous performance and potential. Further complicating matters for Stewart is the emergence of Garrett Atkins at third. Stewart's offer to move to the outfield, which is just as full of quality young, and cheap bats, does not exactly help his path to the majors, either.
10/26/06.. addition.. MiLB.com
Ian Stewart, 3BStewart, the Rockies' first-round pick in 2003, has been plagued by minor nagging injuries for two seasons now. Playing just 120 games at Tulsa, he hit .268 with 10 homers and 71 RBIs but showed his line-drive power with 41 doubles and a .452 slugging percentage. There had been hope he'd make his Major League debut in 2006, but it looks like that will have to wait another year. Once he makes it to Coors he should be a productive hitter.
10/23/06.. addition.. MLB.com
Rockies player development director Marc Gustafson said on Monday that the Rockies will encourage Stewart to work on outfield play during the winter, but that's not the priority.
"Right now, our priority is his offseason conditioning, so he'll be ready for the [regular] season," Gustafson said. "We want him to have a big year. He did some good things, but with what he did in Spring Training, he had a subpar year and I think Ian would say that he thought he was going to perform better.
"The time will come for him to take some balls in the outfield, but we're going to concentrate on getting him ready for the season first. We're looking at him being our third baseman in Triple-A."
9/26/06.. addition.. MLB.com
"I think that Ian has learned how to be a professional hitter," Rockies Minor League hitting coordinator Jim Johnson said. "Home runs came easy in that park in Asheville, although he hit 13 on the road.
"I'm more proud of him, because he's learning to stay inside the ball and hit [to] the opposite gap. He can become a pull monster, but it's not going to help him up here. Don't get me wrong, there were times he got in that hook mode, but we got him out. The power is there, but he does not have power every time."
Stewart suffered a left wrist injury sliding into a base last year during the Arizona Fall League, and the Rockies shut him down during the winter. He missed time in Tulsa with another wrist injury. Wrist problems can slow a power hitter, but Johnson and Stewart insist that there is no chronic issue.
Stewart, who lives in Garden Grove, Calif., said he'll do some of his offseason work at home and some in Denver. Exactly what he'll work on defensively is a question mark. He has been a third baseman since the Rockies drafted him out of LaQuinta High School in Westminister, Calif., but Garrett Atkins' breakout season might lead to a change for the prospect. Stewart said that no club official has approached him about a move. "I'd like to stay at third, that's my position," Stewart said. "But if it means getting to the big leagues quicker to switch positions, I can go that route."
9/9/06.. addition.. projectprospect.com.. Rankings on Rockies top 3 prospects
3. Ian Stewart, 3B: The 10th overall pick in the 2003 draft, Stewart, 21, began producing in the Rockies' system at the tender age of 18. Coming off of a successful 2005 season in High-A Modesto where he was a California League All-Star, he stayed somewhat on track in 2006 at Double-A Tulsa, putting up .268/.351/.452 vitals in 462 at-bats and 120 games.
Stewart's numbers have dropped off slightly from his teenage years, but the Rockies are hopeful that he will continue to mature - both on offense and defense (he's considered an average defender). And while his offensive production has taken a dip, the 6-foot-3, 205-pound lefty's (throws right) strikeout and walk ratios have stayed constant, so a red flag is not necessary quite yet.
Stewart may start his fourth minor league season in 2007 at AAA Colorado Springs. The Rockies are in no hurry to rush him to the majors given the emergence of Garrett Atkins
8/4/06.. addition.. Rocky
Third baseman Ian Stewart (.284-8-60) has methodically rebounded after his average fell to .249 on June 14. The following day, Stewart began a 13-game hitting streak, which ended July 7. Then came a seven-game hitting streak followed by two hitless games. Stewart currently has a hit in 15 consecutive games, going 23-for-65 with eight doubles, two triples, one homer and 12 RBI
6/25/06.. scouting report from OhNoKoolAid
3B Ian Stewart- Something looks wrong at the plate. His swing does not look like the one I saw at the start of the season. Isn't as quick and sometimes appeared to have a hitch in it. In today's Tulsa World, Geivett makes a comment that he believes the wrist injury is still bothering him (wrist injuries never go away, believe me, I have one). As ironic as it sounds, I feel safer knowing that injury is playing a minor role in preventing Stewart from breaking out. He's still very young for Double A and still shows good pop. He also looks as if he's filling out more. He now looks to be around 215-220 lbs. on a very athletic frame. The defense didn't have much work to do, but Stewart was phenominal in the plays he made. He ran down a ball deep in foul territory and caught it over the tarp, and later came in on a bunt and made a diving, laser-throw to Koshansky right on the money to end a potential scoring opportunity. He's extremely athletic in the field and flashes a very strong arm.
6/19/06.. addition.. hardballtimes.com
Rockies third base prospect Ian Stewart has a .251 batting average, .333 OBP, and .429 SLG for Tulsa this season. Stewart posted a .240 OBP for the month of May, but that may represent the low point of his career. He put together a 9-game hitting streak in June and will probably finish the season with something like a .350 OBP. A couple of wrist injuries from the 2005 season may be taking their toll on Stewart; he only has three home runs in a relatively hitter-friendly context this season. That's an alarming result for a guy who many projected to be a middle-of-the-order bat for the Rockies lineup.
5/19/06.. addition.. Post
Is it time to consider Stewart for another position?
"That's a conversation for a later day. We aren't thinking about that right now," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "He has enough on his plate adjusting to Double-A pitching. We know he's better than he's shown." Besides, admitted O'Dowd, he's reluctant to move Stewart off what he described as a "premium position."
Look around the big leagues and statistics show it's easier to unearth a brutish outfielder than a slugging third baseman. Even at his size - 6-feet-3, 220 pounds - Stewart displays tremendous athleticism. One Rockies official predicted the club's top prospect could win a Gold Glove at third base someday in explaining why patience should be exercised.
5/08/06.. Purps 30 .. Purple Row.com
One of the elite prospects in all of baseball, Stewart's biggest asset is his big bat which projects to hit 30-40HR a year with as many doubles and probably a triple or two thrown in for good measure. Combined with his dedication, focus and poise, Stewart will be a key leader for this franchise for years to come. What position he plays might be a little in doubt now that Garrett Atkins is gangbusters, but Stewart's skills will find their way into the everyday lineup somehow.
5/03/06.. FOXSports.com.. Ranking thirdbase prospects:
3. Ian Stewart, Rockies, Age: 21Acquired: 1st round, 2003, La Quinta HS (Westminster, CA)
Stewart's numbers from 2005 don't look all that impressive at first blush, but that was mostly because he was hampered by an injured hamstring in the early weeks of the season. When healthy, Stewart boasts a light-tower stroke to all fields, plays passable defense at third and runs the bases reasonably well. This season, he's off to an excellent start in the Texas League. Expect him to put up monster numbers at Coors Field and become the best prospect the Rockies have developed since Todd Helton.
4/28/06.. Scouting report.. Minorleagueball.com
Stewart was born April 5, 1985. He is 6-3, 205 pounds, a lefthanded hitter but a righthanded thrower. He has a quick bat from the left side that produces above average power. He can pull the ball easily, but he can also go to the opposite field when he wants to. He is strongest against fastballs, but he's made major strides working with breaking pitches, and shows the ability to adjust to unusual pitch sequences. His strike zone judgment is sound, and scouts have no doubts about his ability to hit high-level pitching. Stewart has worked hard to ease doubts about his defense. He has a strong arm and shows decent range, but he has problems at times with charging balls and making accurate throws. Most scouts now believe that Stewart will be able to play third base at the major league level, providing at least decent defense. This is a testament to his work ethic; many similar players concentrate on hitting and don't improve much defensively. His running speed is average.
Stewart projects as a .280+ hitter with well above average power in the majors, at a minimum. If he develops along a normal curve, he could be a .300, 30 homer guy. Add a Coors Field adjustment to that and Stewart could put up monstrous, healthy Todd Helton-type numbers.
4/17/06.. Baseball America
4. Ian Stewart, 3b, Rockies (Double-A Tulsa)
Currently riding a nine-game hit streak, Stewart also has improved his plate discipline early with an 8-7 strikeout-walk ratio. The most important thing for Stewart is he's back to his former self and is showing no ill effects from a wrist injury that cut his AFL season short, hitting .320 and slugging .620 with eight doubles for a loaded Tulsa infield that also includes Troy Tulowitzki, Matt Macri and Joe Koshansky.
2/28/06.. analysis.. FOXSports.com
Stewart hit 317/.401/.558 and .319/.398/.594 in his first two stops after the Rockies made him the 10th overall pick in the 2003 draft, so it was disappointing to see him fade all the way to an 850 OPS in the California League. Still, he has to be regarded as a top-20 prospect. A strained hamstring suffered last spring cost him the first month of the season, and he struggled after returning. Only in the final two months did he really turn it on. Stewart projects as .300 hitter and 35-homer guy with Coors Field helping him. Even in a neutral park, he'd likely be well above average offensively. His defense remains subpar, but he likely will stay at third base for at least a few years after reaching the majors. His performance last year appears to have ruled out any chance of him taking over in Colorado before the end of this season, but he could make Garrett Atkins expendable during the middle of 2007.
2/24/06... addition.. MLB.com
Ian Stewart made himself the talk of the complex on Friday when he launched a batting practice home run that soared over a parking lot beyond the fence. Some with good angles said it hit the outer wall of the batting tunnel several feet beyond the lot.
2/8/06.. Top Prospect Alert.com
Potential -- Superstar. Stewart was one of the best hitting prospects in the 2003 draft even before the Rockies took him and left fans salivating at the idea of this guy ending up in the middle of the order with Todd Helton at Coors Field. He does all things well and is a guy you do not trade once you get him on your fantasy roster. Now may be a great time to snag him as he had only a decent year in 2005.
Risks Yellow. Stewart shouldn’t have injury problems but any time a young guy has hamstring and wrist problems in the same year, you at least have to worry a little bit. Stewart bounced back and finished up hitting .299 with 11 home runs in his last 60 High-A games (Modesto).
Offense -- At Asheville, when he hit .319 with 30 home runs, 101 runs batted in and stole 19 bases, Stewart proved what everyone’s known all along, he has the potential to do everything possible as an offensive player. He has the ability to hit for a +.320 average in the Majors, will get on base, hit for power, steal bases and at some point in his career is very likely to lead the league in doubles. He’s a couple years away but fantasy owners will be delighted for those long Coors Field home stands where he will be able to carry his and your team by himself for a couple weeks in a row.
Defense -- Good Enough to Start. Once a bit of a concern, Stewart has already worked himself into a good 3rd baseman and has the potential to be very good. If he ends up in the outfield his athleticism and work ethic figure to help him become quite good there as well.
Position Change -- Possibly to the outfield. The emergence of Garrett Atkins last year has re-opened talk that Stewart may end up in right field before too long, but he will remain at third for the time being.
Blocked By -- Garrett Atkins. Stewart is one of baseball’s top 3rd base prospects, but Garrett Atkins is beginning to put it all together in the Majors and figures to make Stewart’s rise to the hot corner in Denver a little tougher. Either way, Stewart isn’t going to sit in the pros and will be a fantasy star as a third baseman or as a corner outfielder.
ETA -- Stewart should get a taste of the Majors late this season but end up there full-time starting sometime in the middle of 2007. Could have a Jeff Francoeur-like influence on the 2007 fantasy season.
Comparison -- Chipper Jones. Stewart has this kind of potential and when you add Coors Field to the mix, he could be downright scary for NL pitchers and opposing fantasy owners for years to come.
1/20/06... addition.. MLB.com
A hamstring injury halted Stewart's Spring Training in 2005 and kept him out of action until May 1, and he batted just .211 with three home runs and 16 RBIs the first month. After having launched 30 homers the previous year at Class A Asheville, Stewart was looking at the other side of being a top prospect.
"I think this was the first time in my life I've ever felt pressure playing baseball," said Stewart, who signed a $1.95 million bonus after the Rockies drafted him out of La Quinta High in Garden Grove, Calif. "I never really felt until this year that I had something to live up to, a name or something like that."
After going through the inevitable adjustments that often push a player deep into a hole, Stewart decided to simply be himself and the pressure was lifted. From June 1, Stewart batted .296 with 14 home runs, 23 doubles and six triples. He finished at .271 with 17 homers and 82 RBIs, even though he missed a week in June with a right wrist injury. He suffered another wrist injury in Arizona Fall League play, but reports no problems after receiving a cortisone shot.
Stewart's adjustment to offspeed pitches and breaking balls is still in progress and he has to move quicker defensively. But he is on a fast track after coming out of high school to hit 57 homers in his first 300 professional games.
"I don't know when it's going to be, but hopefully we'll be around when the team finally gets back to the postseason again -- I think it's going to be awesome to be on that team, the first team to do it since '95," he said. "But if not, I'd love to get called up as soon as I can and show this team that I'm ready to be here for the long haul."
11/22/05..
A follow-up exam with the Rockies' hand specialist revealed no fracture or damage to third-base prospect Ian Stewart's left wrist.
Ian Stewart, the Rockies' first-round draft pick in 2003, will get his first extended look in the outfield at spring training, but O'Dowd said Stewart primarily will play at third base with Triple-A Colorado Springs when the season starts.
Stewart probably will wind up in the outfield in the majors because of the presence of Garrett Atkins. He has worked some on outfield play this offseason with Joe Mikulik, his manager with Single-A Asheville (N.C.) two years ago and also the father of Stewart's fiancee. Stewart will be married Dec. 15 in Asheville.
11/29/06.. addition.. Baseball Weekly
A first-round pick in 2003, Stewart has stalled a bit, partly because of injuries, but he's still regarded as a top prospect after driving in 71 runs for Double-A Tulsa. The biggest problem for Stewart, 21, might be that he plays the same position as Rockies cornerstone Garrett Atkins, so a move to the outfield could be in his future.
Gustafson says Stewart has the ability to handle it. "He's a good enough athlete, a la Chipper Jones," Gustafson says. "He's got an impact bat and gap-to-gap power."
Stewart figures to start next season at Triple-A Colorado Springs.
11/23/06.. addition.. sportingnews.com
The players on the 2007 top 10 list that didn't crack the top 10 this year, with one just barely making the top 50. That one would be Ian Stewart, who was an extreme disappointment in 2006. Playing for the Tulsa Drillers, wrist issues limited Stewart to just 120 games, and his performance was lackluster at best. Stewart hit just .268 in 462 at-bats with 10 homers and 71 RBIs in a league that sharply favors hitters.
Simply put, Stewart makes the top 50 solely because of previous performance and potential. Further complicating matters for Stewart is the emergence of Garrett Atkins at third. Stewart's offer to move to the outfield, which is just as full of quality young, and cheap bats, does not exactly help his path to the majors, either.
10/26/06.. addition.. MiLB.com
Ian Stewart, 3BStewart, the Rockies' first-round pick in 2003, has been plagued by minor nagging injuries for two seasons now. Playing just 120 games at Tulsa, he hit .268 with 10 homers and 71 RBIs but showed his line-drive power with 41 doubles and a .452 slugging percentage. There had been hope he'd make his Major League debut in 2006, but it looks like that will have to wait another year. Once he makes it to Coors he should be a productive hitter.
10/23/06.. addition.. MLB.com
Rockies player development director Marc Gustafson said on Monday that the Rockies will encourage Stewart to work on outfield play during the winter, but that's not the priority.
"Right now, our priority is his offseason conditioning, so he'll be ready for the [regular] season," Gustafson said. "We want him to have a big year. He did some good things, but with what he did in Spring Training, he had a subpar year and I think Ian would say that he thought he was going to perform better.
"The time will come for him to take some balls in the outfield, but we're going to concentrate on getting him ready for the season first. We're looking at him being our third baseman in Triple-A."
9/26/06.. addition.. MLB.com
"I think that Ian has learned how to be a professional hitter," Rockies Minor League hitting coordinator Jim Johnson said. "Home runs came easy in that park in Asheville, although he hit 13 on the road.
"I'm more proud of him, because he's learning to stay inside the ball and hit [to] the opposite gap. He can become a pull monster, but it's not going to help him up here. Don't get me wrong, there were times he got in that hook mode, but we got him out. The power is there, but he does not have power every time."
Stewart suffered a left wrist injury sliding into a base last year during the Arizona Fall League, and the Rockies shut him down during the winter. He missed time in Tulsa with another wrist injury. Wrist problems can slow a power hitter, but Johnson and Stewart insist that there is no chronic issue.
Stewart, who lives in Garden Grove, Calif., said he'll do some of his offseason work at home and some in Denver. Exactly what he'll work on defensively is a question mark. He has been a third baseman since the Rockies drafted him out of LaQuinta High School in Westminister, Calif., but Garrett Atkins' breakout season might lead to a change for the prospect. Stewart said that no club official has approached him about a move. "I'd like to stay at third, that's my position," Stewart said. "But if it means getting to the big leagues quicker to switch positions, I can go that route."
9/9/06.. addition.. projectprospect.com.. Rankings on Rockies top 3 prospects
3. Ian Stewart, 3B: The 10th overall pick in the 2003 draft, Stewart, 21, began producing in the Rockies' system at the tender age of 18. Coming off of a successful 2005 season in High-A Modesto where he was a California League All-Star, he stayed somewhat on track in 2006 at Double-A Tulsa, putting up .268/.351/.452 vitals in 462 at-bats and 120 games.
Stewart's numbers have dropped off slightly from his teenage years, but the Rockies are hopeful that he will continue to mature - both on offense and defense (he's considered an average defender). And while his offensive production has taken a dip, the 6-foot-3, 205-pound lefty's (throws right) strikeout and walk ratios have stayed constant, so a red flag is not necessary quite yet.
Stewart may start his fourth minor league season in 2007 at AAA Colorado Springs. The Rockies are in no hurry to rush him to the majors given the emergence of Garrett Atkins
8/4/06.. addition.. Rocky
Third baseman Ian Stewart (.284-8-60) has methodically rebounded after his average fell to .249 on June 14. The following day, Stewart began a 13-game hitting streak, which ended July 7. Then came a seven-game hitting streak followed by two hitless games. Stewart currently has a hit in 15 consecutive games, going 23-for-65 with eight doubles, two triples, one homer and 12 RBI
6/25/06.. scouting report from OhNoKoolAid
3B Ian Stewart- Something looks wrong at the plate. His swing does not look like the one I saw at the start of the season. Isn't as quick and sometimes appeared to have a hitch in it. In today's Tulsa World, Geivett makes a comment that he believes the wrist injury is still bothering him (wrist injuries never go away, believe me, I have one). As ironic as it sounds, I feel safer knowing that injury is playing a minor role in preventing Stewart from breaking out. He's still very young for Double A and still shows good pop. He also looks as if he's filling out more. He now looks to be around 215-220 lbs. on a very athletic frame. The defense didn't have much work to do, but Stewart was phenominal in the plays he made. He ran down a ball deep in foul territory and caught it over the tarp, and later came in on a bunt and made a diving, laser-throw to Koshansky right on the money to end a potential scoring opportunity. He's extremely athletic in the field and flashes a very strong arm.
6/19/06.. addition.. hardballtimes.com
Rockies third base prospect Ian Stewart has a .251 batting average, .333 OBP, and .429 SLG for Tulsa this season. Stewart posted a .240 OBP for the month of May, but that may represent the low point of his career. He put together a 9-game hitting streak in June and will probably finish the season with something like a .350 OBP. A couple of wrist injuries from the 2005 season may be taking their toll on Stewart; he only has three home runs in a relatively hitter-friendly context this season. That's an alarming result for a guy who many projected to be a middle-of-the-order bat for the Rockies lineup.
5/19/06.. addition.. Post
Is it time to consider Stewart for another position?
"That's a conversation for a later day. We aren't thinking about that right now," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "He has enough on his plate adjusting to Double-A pitching. We know he's better than he's shown." Besides, admitted O'Dowd, he's reluctant to move Stewart off what he described as a "premium position."
Look around the big leagues and statistics show it's easier to unearth a brutish outfielder than a slugging third baseman. Even at his size - 6-feet-3, 220 pounds - Stewart displays tremendous athleticism. One Rockies official predicted the club's top prospect could win a Gold Glove at third base someday in explaining why patience should be exercised.
5/08/06.. Purps 30 .. Purple Row.com
One of the elite prospects in all of baseball, Stewart's biggest asset is his big bat which projects to hit 30-40HR a year with as many doubles and probably a triple or two thrown in for good measure. Combined with his dedication, focus and poise, Stewart will be a key leader for this franchise for years to come. What position he plays might be a little in doubt now that Garrett Atkins is gangbusters, but Stewart's skills will find their way into the everyday lineup somehow.
5/03/06.. FOXSports.com.. Ranking thirdbase prospects:
3. Ian Stewart, Rockies, Age: 21Acquired: 1st round, 2003, La Quinta HS (Westminster, CA)
Stewart's numbers from 2005 don't look all that impressive at first blush, but that was mostly because he was hampered by an injured hamstring in the early weeks of the season. When healthy, Stewart boasts a light-tower stroke to all fields, plays passable defense at third and runs the bases reasonably well. This season, he's off to an excellent start in the Texas League. Expect him to put up monster numbers at Coors Field and become the best prospect the Rockies have developed since Todd Helton.
4/28/06.. Scouting report.. Minorleagueball.com
Stewart was born April 5, 1985. He is 6-3, 205 pounds, a lefthanded hitter but a righthanded thrower. He has a quick bat from the left side that produces above average power. He can pull the ball easily, but he can also go to the opposite field when he wants to. He is strongest against fastballs, but he's made major strides working with breaking pitches, and shows the ability to adjust to unusual pitch sequences. His strike zone judgment is sound, and scouts have no doubts about his ability to hit high-level pitching. Stewart has worked hard to ease doubts about his defense. He has a strong arm and shows decent range, but he has problems at times with charging balls and making accurate throws. Most scouts now believe that Stewart will be able to play third base at the major league level, providing at least decent defense. This is a testament to his work ethic; many similar players concentrate on hitting and don't improve much defensively. His running speed is average.
Stewart projects as a .280+ hitter with well above average power in the majors, at a minimum. If he develops along a normal curve, he could be a .300, 30 homer guy. Add a Coors Field adjustment to that and Stewart could put up monstrous, healthy Todd Helton-type numbers.
4/17/06.. Baseball America
4. Ian Stewart, 3b, Rockies (Double-A Tulsa)
Currently riding a nine-game hit streak, Stewart also has improved his plate discipline early with an 8-7 strikeout-walk ratio. The most important thing for Stewart is he's back to his former self and is showing no ill effects from a wrist injury that cut his AFL season short, hitting .320 and slugging .620 with eight doubles for a loaded Tulsa infield that also includes Troy Tulowitzki, Matt Macri and Joe Koshansky.
2/28/06.. analysis.. FOXSports.com
Stewart hit 317/.401/.558 and .319/.398/.594 in his first two stops after the Rockies made him the 10th overall pick in the 2003 draft, so it was disappointing to see him fade all the way to an 850 OPS in the California League. Still, he has to be regarded as a top-20 prospect. A strained hamstring suffered last spring cost him the first month of the season, and he struggled after returning. Only in the final two months did he really turn it on. Stewart projects as .300 hitter and 35-homer guy with Coors Field helping him. Even in a neutral park, he'd likely be well above average offensively. His defense remains subpar, but he likely will stay at third base for at least a few years after reaching the majors. His performance last year appears to have ruled out any chance of him taking over in Colorado before the end of this season, but he could make Garrett Atkins expendable during the middle of 2007.
2/24/06... addition.. MLB.com
Ian Stewart made himself the talk of the complex on Friday when he launched a batting practice home run that soared over a parking lot beyond the fence. Some with good angles said it hit the outer wall of the batting tunnel several feet beyond the lot.
2/8/06.. Top Prospect Alert.com
Potential -- Superstar. Stewart was one of the best hitting prospects in the 2003 draft even before the Rockies took him and left fans salivating at the idea of this guy ending up in the middle of the order with Todd Helton at Coors Field. He does all things well and is a guy you do not trade once you get him on your fantasy roster. Now may be a great time to snag him as he had only a decent year in 2005.
Risks Yellow. Stewart shouldn’t have injury problems but any time a young guy has hamstring and wrist problems in the same year, you at least have to worry a little bit. Stewart bounced back and finished up hitting .299 with 11 home runs in his last 60 High-A games (Modesto).
Offense -- At Asheville, when he hit .319 with 30 home runs, 101 runs batted in and stole 19 bases, Stewart proved what everyone’s known all along, he has the potential to do everything possible as an offensive player. He has the ability to hit for a +.320 average in the Majors, will get on base, hit for power, steal bases and at some point in his career is very likely to lead the league in doubles. He’s a couple years away but fantasy owners will be delighted for those long Coors Field home stands where he will be able to carry his and your team by himself for a couple weeks in a row.
Defense -- Good Enough to Start. Once a bit of a concern, Stewart has already worked himself into a good 3rd baseman and has the potential to be very good. If he ends up in the outfield his athleticism and work ethic figure to help him become quite good there as well.
Position Change -- Possibly to the outfield. The emergence of Garrett Atkins last year has re-opened talk that Stewart may end up in right field before too long, but he will remain at third for the time being.
Blocked By -- Garrett Atkins. Stewart is one of baseball’s top 3rd base prospects, but Garrett Atkins is beginning to put it all together in the Majors and figures to make Stewart’s rise to the hot corner in Denver a little tougher. Either way, Stewart isn’t going to sit in the pros and will be a fantasy star as a third baseman or as a corner outfielder.
ETA -- Stewart should get a taste of the Majors late this season but end up there full-time starting sometime in the middle of 2007. Could have a Jeff Francoeur-like influence on the 2007 fantasy season.
Comparison -- Chipper Jones. Stewart has this kind of potential and when you add Coors Field to the mix, he could be downright scary for NL pitchers and opposing fantasy owners for years to come.
1/20/06... addition.. MLB.com
A hamstring injury halted Stewart's Spring Training in 2005 and kept him out of action until May 1, and he batted just .211 with three home runs and 16 RBIs the first month. After having launched 30 homers the previous year at Class A Asheville, Stewart was looking at the other side of being a top prospect.
"I think this was the first time in my life I've ever felt pressure playing baseball," said Stewart, who signed a $1.95 million bonus after the Rockies drafted him out of La Quinta High in Garden Grove, Calif. "I never really felt until this year that I had something to live up to, a name or something like that."
After going through the inevitable adjustments that often push a player deep into a hole, Stewart decided to simply be himself and the pressure was lifted. From June 1, Stewart batted .296 with 14 home runs, 23 doubles and six triples. He finished at .271 with 17 homers and 82 RBIs, even though he missed a week in June with a right wrist injury. He suffered another wrist injury in Arizona Fall League play, but reports no problems after receiving a cortisone shot.
Stewart's adjustment to offspeed pitches and breaking balls is still in progress and he has to move quicker defensively. But he is on a fast track after coming out of high school to hit 57 homers in his first 300 professional games.
"I don't know when it's going to be, but hopefully we'll be around when the team finally gets back to the postseason again -- I think it's going to be awesome to be on that team, the first team to do it since '95," he said. "But if not, I'd love to get called up as soon as I can and show this team that I'm ready to be here for the long haul."
11/22/05..
A follow-up exam with the Rockies' hand specialist revealed no fracture or damage to third-base prospect Ian Stewart's left wrist.