Basic Info
Age (Opening Day 2011): 19
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 225 lbs
How Acquired: 2010 draft, 1st round
2010 Stats
Biddle started out with a couple horrible outings, but as he got more comfortable, his numbers really improved.
Obviously the high K/9 rate is a good sign, and he needs to bring down the BB/9 rate, but 44 IP doesn’t exactly tell a full story.
Scouting Report
Biddle is a big lefty.
At 6’5, 225 he compares physically to someone like David Price or Andy Pettitte.
Because of that size, Biddle possesses an impressive fastball. Last year he was sitting around 92-94mph, but was reported to hi 97mph a couple times, a number that wasn’t around on his H.S. scouting reports. Other reports had him in the high 80′s, so there was definitely some inconsistency there.
His breaking balls are a work on progress, but right now he has an average to below-average curve and change-up. Both will need to be improved, but that’s the norm for H.S. pitchers.
Biddle has a great work ethic and mental make-up, and grew up a big Phillies fan. If he doesn’t make it the majors, it won’t be for lack of trying.
What to Look For in 2011
I would be very surprised if Biddle doesn’t struggle in 2011. He’s going to be working on pitches and pitching more than he ever has in his life.
I expect an up and down season, but if there are enough impressive performances and good scouting reports, he’ll stay very high on this list.
Grades (Out of 10)
Upside – 8
A big lefty with a big fastball will always get you high in this category. Lots of work to do though.
Production – 6
Only 43.7 IP, but showed some flashes and had a couple really impressive outings.
Proximity to Majors – 2
The last time the Phillies used their 1st round pick on a HS pitcher was Kyle Drabek. That was in 2006, and he made it to the majors in late 2010. That track would put Biddle in the majors in 2014.
Video
At GF again, but different angle
For all posts on Phillies’ Prospects, including the rest of the top-20, visit our Top Prospects Page
Monday, March 21,2011
Phillies host the Red Sox.
Starting pitchers: Doc Halladay vs. Jon Lester
Ooooooeeeeeeeee.
I find myself a little puzzled by the results of Scott Franzke’s new 5 year deal, which I was quite glad to see.
It leads to some questions based on a definite lack of knowledge on how this whole thing works.
It seems like very little reporting of it has been done other than mere mention. Maybe I didn’t look hard enough, but I didn’t even see much on the Phils website.
Here’s where I’m going with this. Franzke is like Harry in that you have to look far and wide to find detractors. From the popularity standpoint, it was a no brainer to keep him.
And it’s no secret that it’s a very different story on the television side.
Here’s a guy, about 40, which is safe to call prime years, living off that great reputation, that negotiates his first long term MLB related job. With a lot of people clammoring for him to get some TV exposure. Yet, the way the contract seems to be reported, it looks like strictly radio.
I thought innings were contractually agreed on. Not just arbitrarily decided. As in Harry had a contract to do 1-3 on TV, 4-6 on radio, 7-9 on TV back when he was in his prime. Yet, no revelation of a similar scheme for Scott.
Maybe that isn’t how it works, but particularly with some depth in Jim Jackson, I’d have thought the Phils might capitalize on a chance to give Scott an inning or two on TV, and contractually obligate to it.
Anyway, I like the guy’s work, and am glad he’ll be part of the broadcast team one way or another for 5 more years.