Injuries prevented Jennings from building on that performance in 2008, however. He was left behind in extended spring training with back issues, costing him the first two months. He then reported to High-A Vero Beach in June, but a shoulder injury cut short his season after just 24 games. While he has yet to remain on the field for a full season, he arguably has the highest upside of any position player in the Rays’ system.

Jennings, a former football recruit at the University of Alabama, is one of the best pure athletes in the organization as well. He also has an advanced approach and his improved his routes to the ball in center field. For these reasons, he has often been referred to as a “Carl Crawford-type, but with more power.” While he may never hit for the power that many scouts expect, there is no denying his talent. Baseball America has him penciled in as the Rays’ starting center fielder in a projected 2012 lineup, which seems likely. Injuries aside, he is one of the premier prospects in the minors.