Three young pitchers I like for 2009
Posted by erik in Anthony Ferrara, Deryk Hooker, Mark Diapoules, SleepersMark Diapoules – One of the last draft and follows and an interesting sleeper. Diapoules posted some nifty numbers at the Quad Cities, striking out nearly a batter per inning (52 in 55.2) while getting two ground-outs for every air-out. Diapoules was promoted to his home town of Palm Beach, and his hit, strikeout and walk rates all trended in the wrong direction, but he didn’t embarrass himself. A tall and lean bodied hurler, Diapoules can touch 93, but gets better sink on his fastball when he’s throwing it in the 86-91 MPH range. He throws from a high 3/4 arm slot and is said to have effortless mechanics. Diapoules also throws a tight slider and a change-up, both with average potential. He still has some projectability to his body and could be someone that blossoms into an above average major league starter. He will need to refine his command a little bit to take it to the next level. I look for him to start his season playing again for the home crowds at Palm Beach.
Anthony Ferrara – Ferrara was a well-known prep prospect for some time and was thought to be a potential first rounder, but his draft stock took a tumble when fears about the health of his shoulder arose. Dr. Jim Andrews prescribed rest rather than surgery. He throws a 89-91 MPH fastball but has been clocked as high as 95 in shorter stints. Ferrara also has a curve and a change with the potential to be average or a little better. Ferrara was assigned to the GCL this past season, and there struck out 36 in 30 innings. Getting a high upside arm like Ferrara’s in the 7th round of the draft could prove to be a real steal. We probably won’t see him again until the short season squads start, it’s most likely Johnson City for his next stop.
Deryk Hooker – The kid has been a strikeout machine since being drafted in the 7th round in 2007, with 120 of them in just 96 professional innings. He’s also shown exceptional command of the plate, with a sterling 4:1 K:BB ratio. Following his 2007 debut where he shredded the Gulf Coast League (8.4 BB%, 35.9 K%, 1.92 FIP in 31.0 IP), Hooker was similarly dominant in the Appy in 2008 (7.9 BB%, 31.1 K%, 2.65 FIP in 42.2 IP). Upon being promoted to the Quad Cities, Hooker’s rates took a hit (6.5 BB%, 19.4 K%, 3.80 FIP in 22.1 IP), but he remained solid. At 6-4, Hooker throws from a downhill plane with a heater in the 89-92 range, touching 94. He also has a true 12-6 yakker and the makings of a solid average changeup, which explains the results. Now for the bad: Depending on who you talk to, Hooker’s mechanics are iffy to horrid. He’ll fly open on his right side and is also said to throw across his body. The first flaw is easily fixed, the second could relegate his ceiling to relief. Look for Hooker to put up solid numbers again for the Quad Cities.
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What ever happened to the Navy kid we drafted? Do we have rights to him still?
@Red Blazer, I’d just forget about it at this point. He’s going to be in his late 20’s when he’s done w/the Navy.
That sucked – but it was a worthwhile gamble. An economist would say that the kid is underemployed.
Why is throwing across the body so hard to fix? Isn’t that what good pitching coaches are for?
It sounds like Diapoules has more upside than I thought, and may be Duncan’s type of pitcher, if he’s even around if Mark makes it. Has he grown in the last year or so? Baseball Cube and the Cardinals’ draft results both list him at an even 6-foot, while milb.com has him at 6′2″.
Off-topic, but what ever happened to Stu Pomeranz? Is he done?
We released Pomeranz last May and he hung it up.
http://stlcardinals.scout.com/2/754493.html
Didn’t pitch in 2008.
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/P/stuart-pomeranz.shtml
There’s quite a bit to like about Diapoules, all things considered. He was 19 until May 31st last season, and performed (as Erik said) very well in the Midwest League. His numbers in the FSL weren’t great, but consider a couple of things: first he was barely 20 years old, which is very young for that league. Second, he got roughed up in his final two starts, allowing 17 hits and 12 ER’s in 8.2 innings, and still finished with a 4.29 ERA in the FSL. Up to that point, he had been very, very good in that league as well.
My guess is that he was tiring out a little as his first full season of pro ball ended. I expect nice things from him this year.
Very interesting post, indeed. And well written/researched as well. Thanks Erik.
Just my two cents on this subject, but a few more names I’d like to throw out as arms that I have hopes for breaking out:
-Brett Zawacki: I realize he’s put up some pretty lousy numbers so far to date, but the kid’s got a live arm and big frame. Hoping to see him bust out this year.
-Sam Freeman: To me there’s no way he’s in the rotation at all. But with his athleticism and live arm, I think he could move quickly and competently as a reliever. Needs to refine command and establish a breaking pitch.
-David Carpenter: Call me sentimental, but I’m all for the idea of converting strong-armed/no hit catchers to the mound. Just seems kinda obvious to me. The guy presumably ought to have a good understanding on how to attack hitters and it has been repeatedly noted that he has a live arm. Relief option at best and would most likely require some seasoning to fine tune his command, arsenal, etc. but I like this gamble.
Obviously I’ve never seen any of these guys throw at all; I’m going off of scouting reports, stats, etc. Just gut feelings, you know? Also, I’m curious as to who are some of the Latin names that might cause a stir this upcoming season. Castillo made a name for himself after coming out of nowhere, and Moises Colorado is another name that I’ve heard as to having good potential. Franco got the big payday last year (he’s still very young though). Any other names that may intrigue?
Matt North – Drafted out of HS in 06, didn’t pitch much until last season, where he had good success at Johnson City. I’d guess he’ll start at Batavia this season. Still only 20 years old.
Jon Bravo – Small pitcher, big strikeout ability. 48 K, only 2 HR allowed, in 35 IP last season. If he becomes a full-time reliever, which seems likely, he could move fairly quickly up the ladder, IMO. Lefties that can strike guys out are pretty valuable, no matter what size they are.
Adam Veres – 49th-round pick in 08. Looking like a good choice so far. Prototypical pitcher’s frame at 6-4 230. Pretty impressive numbers last season split between Johnson City and Batavia. Will only be 21 this season.
@Grant…..good call on North. Forgot all about him. Can someone elaborate on Veres? Scouting report, stats, etc.?
What’s your guys take on Goold’s blurb on Ottavino? He’s seemed to be perpetually on the verge since the cards drafted him with some really inconsistent results (even inning-to-inning) but still showing some dominance on occasion.
@Matt, while his ERA’s where night and day between PB and SPR, his tRA*’s have been the same at about both stops. I’ll believe a breakthrough when i see it, but I think Law got it right. Ottavino is a reliever.
I hope I’m wrong, b/c he’s a really nice kid.