A couple of weeks ago Jeff asked if I would do a brief write-up on two Dodger prospects – Nick Robertson and James Outman. I had previously profiled Robertson so that one was easy with an update. Today I took a look at Outman and found there was not a lot of detail available on him.
I do remember him quite well in his time with the Great Lakes Loons during the 2019 season. During the first half of that season outfielder Niko Hulsizer was the power guy for the Loons until he was promoted to the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes at the end of June. He subsequently was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in the Adam Kolarek trade.
Following Hulsizer’s promotion to the Quakes, James Outman did replace him as the power bat on the Loons.
Outman was born in Redwood, California and attended Junipero Serra High School in neighboring San Mateo. He played four seasons for coach Craig Giannino at Junipero Serra and was twice named to the all-West Coast Athletic League second team. He also played middle linebacker and tight end for the Serra football team and earned a West Coast Athletic League Player of the Year award.
Following graduation from high school the 6’3”/215-pound outfielder attended Sacramento State University before being drafted by the Dodgers during his junior year.
During his three years with the Sacramento State Hornets he played right field and was a model of consistency. His sophomore and junior years were basically a mirror image of each other. In both years he played 60 games, hit .253, had 229 at bats, 58 hits, three triples and 11 home runs. His OBP, SLG and OPS were within a couple of percentage points of each other.
During his sophomore and junior years with the Hornets he had 289 putouts, 7 assists and committed only three errors for a .991 fielding percentage.
Outman earned national attention over the summer before his junior season (2018) when he was named Perfect Game’s Summer Collegiate Player of the Year. Playing for the Bethesda Big Train, he took home the Cal Ripken League MVP award after nearly winning the triple crown. In 37 games for Bethesda, Outman hit .341 with nine home runs, 36 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases.
His college stats were not really eye opening so perhaps it was his play in the Cal Ripken League that drew the Dodgers attention. He did display relatively good power, had 24 stolen bases in his college career and played a stellar right field. Outman confirms that suspicion regarding his summer league play and attributes all the credit to Dodgers area scout Tom Kunis.
“He saw something in me that I guess other people did not. I started getting attention after my summer going into my junior year where I played in Bethesda, Maryland. I couldn’t thank Tom enough for helping me get a shot.”
He was selected by the Dodgers in the seventh round of the 2018 First-Year Draft and made his professional debut with the Ogden Raptors of the Pioneer League on June 20th. Over 55 games he posted a triple slash of .264/.350/.490 along with 11 home runs, 33 runs batted in and 12 stolen bases.
Outman, who bats left and throws right, was named the Pioneer League’s Player of the Week for August 13-19 during his 2018 season. He went 9-for-18 for a .500 average over five games with two doubles, a triple, four runs and four stolen bases during the week.
“Really cool to see Outman get Player of the Week,” said Raptors manager Jeremy Rodriguez. “He’s worked really hard from where he started, starting his season I think he struggled a little bit going 0-for-23. But with the type of person he is, he kept working and didn’t change. That’s something everyone in the locker room recognized from him. For him to get this success and recognition is huge, and I think it’s going to be huge for his confidence. Everyone here is really excited for him.”
He played the entire 2019 season with the Great lakes Loons mostly patrolling the outfield as a center fielder and often coming up with highlight plays.
https://www.milb.com/video/outman-makes-leaping-catch-c31000000933
Outman again had a slow start to his season in April but finished up strongly with 11 home runs and 19 runs batted in through 26 games in August. He finished the season with 19 home runs and 56 runs batted in. He walked 56 times but struck out 128 times which would be considered a bit troubling even in these times when strikeouts are not so much frowned upon.
FanGraphs has provided this report on James Outman who is now 23 years-of-age.
“Outman is a pull-and-lift hitter whose best tool is his speed, which helped him swipe 20 bases last year and enables him to play a good center field. His contact issues at a 25.1% strikeout rate as a college-aged hitter in Low-A last year mean he could bottom out, but he plays a premium position and the lift in his swing should enable him to hit for some power as long as he’s not striking out all the time.”
Dodgers Nation, in an interview following the 2018 season, asked what advice he would give to aspiring young players following his inaugural season.
“If I had to give advice to younger players, I would just tell them to relax. I spent my junior year stressing out too much and it hurt me. In the long run, even though we can’t realize it sometimes, baseball players just need to realize that it’s still just a game. If younger players were wondering what they could do to improve their game I would answer by telling them just to get as many swings and at bats as possible and to not stop trying to get better. Nothing in hitting is ever figured out. There’s honestly no secrets in hitting. Just watch big leaguers (the best in the world) and keep learning.”
Although I do not have any direct information about the 2020 Instructional League, I understand that James Outman drew some attention with his work. Perhaps his coaches were able to put the lift in his swing and his power to more consistent use resulting in fewer strikeouts. Also, perhaps AC has some more direct information regarding Outman’s Instructional League play.
Thank you, Harold. It makes it a lot more personal and fun when you have an idea of where the player has come from and been.
I’ve learned a whole lot through this post. Thanks Harold.
Good article, DC. Interesting. Thank you. Was most impressed with California-born, James Outman’s advice to younger players, “do not stop trying to get better.” James did not stop and hope he keeps doing it and we may see him as he advances.
Nice write up Harold. Never even heard of this guy until I read this..I need to get out more.
Very good writeup Harold, especially on a player you didn’t have much info on. That highlight play you referenced was really something to see. That was a Bellinger type highlight.
Nice introduction to Mr. Outman, Harold! He has been one of my favorite under the radar prospects since he was drafted. Little known fact about Outman is that his middle name is “Noe”. Not really, I just made that up.
That’s pretty good 2D2.
The secret for James will be to cut down on his strikeouts. He is very athletic and has good speed. Seems to have a pretty good arm too.
If baseball does not turn out for him this is another career goal and perhaps a post-baseball career.. Hopes to own a construction company or work as a general contractor. Majored in business
Bad puns on a cloudy day are always welcome 2D. Well, 24 hrs since my shot and no ill affects so far. My arm is not even sore anymore. On a sad note, long time Dodger fan and TV host, Larry King passed away today. Always used to see him sitting behind home plate at the Stadium. Him and Mary Hart, and occasionally, Jaclyn Smith.
Red Sox to ink Garrett Richards for one year and $10MM. Red Sox fans are just not happy campers.
I have to feel they are not too excited with their latest signings. JBJ is still out there and fans really want him back. But the Sox FO does not seem so inclined. Verdugo is extremely excited that Kike is now there.
Just seen a picture of a very lean looking Joc.
Strange how a change of circumstances can take people out of their comfort zone.
Havnt heard any rumours regarding him this Off Season, hope he gets a good deal. Wonder if AF might step in with an offer?
Doubtful Watford. He is going to get close to 10 mil. I think that is out of AF’s comfort zone.
Hi Michael – glad to hear you’ve had the Jab and have no side effects – certainly will give
you some peace of mind.
Do you really think Joc’s gonna get $10m in this climate?
I’ve not heard one rumour. Realistically he is a platoon player, as he cannot hit LH Pitching. Who’s paying that kind of money?
Joc might have to take something for a year – why not the Dodgers?
He is a great teammate, and obviously loves it here, and is Mr October, so why not?
Do you have a link for skinny Joc pic?
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKXismclMzd/?igshid=1rpi0r8rlbant
Fred/Bums
Saw it on Instagram
Don’t know if you’re on Insta, but here is the link
Certainly looks very fit
Especially if you compare it to this one with the WS Trophy in November
https://www.instagram.com/p/CG8qqV2FfBb/?igshid=1nobdp59ic4qb
CBT for one reason, Kike’s contract with Boston for another. Joc got 7 mil plus last year, Kike got 5 and now gets 7. So Joc is not going to settle for less than say 9. LA is loaded with his type of hitter. Reks, Raley and Beaty all lefty’s So is the entire infield. And there are teams, St. Louis, Texas, Cleveland who all could use a hitter with his skill set. And remember, 69 percent of the pitchers in the majors are RH. So, he will get 400 plus at bats easily. AF has to decide what he is going to do about 3rd base before anything else. And they have plenty of outfielders, so there is not a need there.
Quantity is not the answer otherwise buffalo would have been hunted with shotguns.
Yeah all good points. He’s become a bit of a favourite of mine over the years.
Actually, to lose him and Kike will leave a big hole in the Dugout.
He looks ripped – so I think he’ll be focused for whoever signs him.
Think JT is coming back for 3B.
Is Badger ok? Unusual not to hear from him this week.
I email him now and then. I will check in on him. Last time we emailed he was not too interested in much of anything at the time.
Watford, I got an email from Badger this evening. He is ok, just has other things on his mind right now rather than baseball. He will be back when he feels he can contribute something to the conversation, and he does not feel that right now.
Cheers Michael
Glad he is ok – these times are so testing.
Been trying to reach out to a few friends that have been struggling – been a huge increase in Mental Health issues here due to the severity of our 2nd total Lockdown because of this new more potent strain. My own son who’s 17 has developed a bit of anxiety – something he’s never had before.
That’s why places like LADT are good – helps to bring people together and feel connected.
I agree. My brother is back at work at the hospital after his heart attack last month. But he won’t take the vaccine because of a fear it will affect his heart condition. I have friends in other states who are really suffering from cabin fever. Biden issued orders that masks must be worn in all federal facility’s. While not wearing a mask. Oh well, guess the politico’s do not have to abide by the rules. I enjoy writing for the site. It keeps my mind active. And of course music does the same. I have some time now and I can try and see if I can write a couple of new songs. I was really pleased with my last one about homeless vets. Be well, I will keep you updated on Badger.
It will be interesting to see how the minor leagues seasons play out. The lower classes are not starting until the big boys have left camp which means late March. Idea is to limit the number of players who come in contact with each other. I hope I can get out to California this year because I really enjoy going to the Quakes games, if not, I might try to catch a AAA game in Colorado Springs when the OKC team comes in for a series….that is if they are allowing fans in the seats.