2005 Update:
Filling out physically. Has gained about 10-15 pounds since last season, mostly in his lower 1/2.
Body control in delivery still excellent. Very good balance and direction towards the plate. Arm
works very well in back. FB a bit more inconsis. than last yr as he went through a brief dead arm
period, he was 86-89 the first time I saw him but up to 90-92 touching 93 the next time. Velo still
up from last yr when he would touch 91 once or twice a game. Exhibiting similar feel but FB
command has jumped forward and his number show it. Pitching with much more confidence to the
inner 1/2 of the plate to lefties and generally exhibiting solid 50 control. CV still of the hammer
variety with a chance to be very good. Break and command better than last yr. Will through jaw
dropping one at times when he pulls it down really hard. Much more comfortable throwing CH in
any count as it has developed as a pitch he can use, not simply show to hitters. Has really
developed as a pitcher. Confident enuf in delivery that he can reach back and let a FB go and
believe that will end up where he wants it to. Mixing all three pitches better, could get away going
FB,CV, CV last yr but has learned how to attack and setup hitters. Plus makeup. Excellent
demeanor, works out of jams and displays supreme confidence on the mound. Making lots of
progress towards reaching his ceiling of a quality #2 starter in the big leagues for a long time. He is
about a month ahead of the timetable I had him on last year and right on time to get up to
Arlington sometime in 2006.
