Chicago Cubs Prospect Profile: Matthew Spencer

The Chicago Cubs acquired Matthew Spencer from the Oakland A’s last winter along with Jeff Gray and Ronny Morla for Aaron Miles and Jake Fox. The Philadelphia Phillies selected Spencer in third round (113rd overall) of 2007 draft. The Phillies traded Spencer along with Adrian Cardenas and Josh Outman to the A’s on July 17, 2008 for Joe Blanton. Spencer is with his third organization in four years.

Matthew Spencer has yet to find a defensive position to call home. He has played primarily in the corner outfield spots and at first base. He isn’t known for his defensive ability where he seems to be a little lacking … but Matt Spencer can hit with power. Spencer is a big guy at 6’5″, 240 pounds with a frame like that and below average speed and agility he is more suited for first base, left field or as a designated hitter. To this point Spencer’s best position has been first base. If he can make it to the big leagues that is the position he would likely fill. Matthew Spencer is a high-ceiling, low-floor type of prospect … meaning with his power ability he could develop into a solid power threat at the major league level. But given his lacking defense and speed, he must continue to show he can hit for power, as well as keep decent splits versus left-handed and right-handed pitchers. Spencer has the potential to make it to the big leagues and excel, but he could just turn out to a younger version of Micah Hoffpauir. For lack of a better label, a “Four-A” type player that shows flashes of greatness offensively in the minors, but is unable to make it at the next level. Spencer is projecting more as just a bat off the bench. But if he has a breakout season and shows improvement defensively, anything is possible.

Matt Spencer had a solid season in 2009 between High A and AA. In Oakland’s system he hit .289/.345/.488/.833 with 19 home runs, 34 doubles, three triples and 91 RBI in 123 games (38 walks and 90 strikeouts). Spencer is off to a good start this year.

Spencer played nine games in High-A with the Daytona Cubs and was quickly moved up to Double-A Tennessee. In 19 games this year with Daytona and Tennessee, he is hitting .333/.359/.609/.965 with five home runs and four doubles. If Spencer continues to hit like he has so far this year a promotion to Iowa (AAA) is likely. Spencer is playing his fourth season in the minors at the age of 24.

Full Name: Matthew Austin Spencer
Age: 24 (January 27, 1986)
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 240
Bats/Throws: L/L
Position: LF/RF/1B

Minor League Statistics
2007: (Low A) .263/.320/.469/.789
2008: (High A) .280/.338/.436/.774
2009: (High A/ AA) .289/.345/.488/.833

Interesting Tidbits
Matthew Spencer’s minor league career splits are pretty even.
Career numbers vs. LHP .273/.327/.436/.763
Career numbers vs. RHP .288/.343/.486/.829
2010 – vs. LHP .450/.478/.850/1.328
2010 – vs. RHP .275/.296/.490/.786

CCO Prospect Profiles: