Basic Info
Age (Opening Day 2011): 22
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 255lbs
How Acquired: From SEA, Cliff Lee trade (2009)
2010 Stats
Aumont was the “centerpiece” of the so-far disastrous Cliff Lee trade (from a prospect perspective). The Mariners had him slated as a reliever but the Phillies wanted to mess with his delivery and try him out as a starter. And also start him at AA as a 21 yr old who has never pitched there. Needless to say, it didn’t work. Like, at all.
While there are many horrendous stats in that line above, the most troubling is the 5.9 BB/9. Aumont could NOT throw strikes last year. The good news is that this is a fixable problem. And that Aumont hasn’t turned 22 yet.
Scouting Report
Aumont is another big guy like #20 on this list. Also like #20, he’s probably slated for the bullpen and the sooner the Phillies figure that out, the better. I’m fine with giving him another shot at starting next season, but if it fails, pull the plug quickly.
Aumont’s best pitch is a hard, sinking fastball that can hit 94-96. He also has a solid slider. Part of his many problems as a starter was his difficultly in cultivating a 3rd pitch, a change-up. My opinion is that he would be best suited focusing on his two quality pitches, throwing strikes, and throwing hard out of the bullpen. His fastball dipped to 90-91 as a starter, and wasn’t nearly as effective.
What to Look For in 2011
The first thing to look for is whether or not the Phillies make Aumont a starter or a reliever to begin the year. I would think either way he will start in Clearwater, where he was demoted to mid-season last year.
From a statistical perspective, it’s all about throwing strikes and getting that WHIP down. The talent and big arm is still there, and he’s still young. Hopefully the Phillies coaches can help him make some adjustments.
Grades (Out of 10)
Upside – 7
Has the stuff to be a closer.
Production – 1
I don’t think you are going to find a worse stat-line on any of my top-20 prospects.
Proximity to Majors – 5
The Mariners talked about having him in the majors as a reliever in 2009, so he can’t be THAT far off if he gets it together.
Video
Right behind homeplate, again from 2009
For all posts on Phillies’ Prospects, including the rest of the top-20, visit our Top Prospects Page
Dat dere is a big dude. Jeff Juden-big.
David West
…and I’m not talking about the basketball player.
West, shaped like Baby Huey.
A taller, more accomplished Phillies hurler: 6’8″ Gene Conley. Won 20 games total, completed 21 starts for Phils on bad ’59 & ’60 teams; ’59 NL all-star. During the off-season he kept busy by logging significant frontcourt minutes as member of ’59, ’60 & ’61 NBA Champion Celtics (behind Heinsohn, Sharman & Russell).
And can’t forget lanky Ron Reed, former Detroit Piston forward.