Basic Info
Age (Opening Day 2011): 23
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 215 lbs
How Acquired: 2007 draft, 11th round
2010 Stats
He’s got everything you want from a dominant relief pitcher there. WHIP below 1.00. K/9 above 9. Good walk rate. Doesn’t give up HR. What more do you need?
Scouting Report
Of all the young potential relievers in the system, De Fratus is my favorite and probably the only one with a chance to be a MLB closer. He has a fastball that sits 94-96mph but can ramp up to around 98mph.
In addition to the speed, he also has some deception in his delivery that makes the ball appear to be coming even quicker. He can also locate his fastball very well, meaning he can often get by without throwing anything else.
As is the case with so many minor leaguers, his MLB success will depend on the development of his slider and or change-up. Neither is an out pitch at this point, but if he can improve on them, while maintaining his fastball – he’s got a chance to be our closer in the near future.
What to Look For in 2011
The development of his secondary pitches and whether or not he can continue to dominate in AA and beyond.
He pitched only 24.2 innings in Reading last year, but was equally as dominant as he was in Clearwater (0.89 WHIP, 2.19 ERA, 10.2 K/9).
Grades (Out of 10)
Upside – 8
Could be a cheap, cheap closer – and we all know how much they cost on the open market.
Production – 7
65 IP isn’t a huge sample size. He’s been good in years past, but not this good.
Proximity to Majors – 7
Has an outside chance to impress enough in spring training to get him a mid-season call-up. He’s a name to watch this spring.
Video
Couldn’t find any – please post in the comments if you do.
For all posts on Phillies’ Prospects, including the rest of the top-20, visit our Top Prospects Page
That picture looks like he’s “ramp[ing] it up to 98.”
In addition to the speed, he also has some deception in his delivery that makes the ball appear to be coming even quicker.…..
Sounds like De Fratus has some Schwimlocity that will hopefully help him along the way.
(Note: The link is to what I think is a very good article on phuturephillies by Michael Schwimmer about a stat he his developing in an attempt to quantify the “deception” a pitcher possesses.)
non-numerical quantifying deceptions: Gaylord Perry, slatherings of homemade saliva; Juan Marichal, a pushcart of pitches and delivery kick
that made Rockettes jealous; Ryne Duren, Coke-bottle eyeglasses, a conspicuous warm-up fastball to backstop and terror.
bski! nice to see you. hope to have you around during the season.
Yeah – that’s a great article. Schwim is a real good writer, and pitcher. Hope to see him in the bullpen in the next couple years.