Who’s more qualified to scout Rays prospect Jeremy Hellickson than someone who has batted against him like I have? Okay, so the last time I hit vs. Hellickson was six years ago, but his repertoire was just as nasty back then. Hellickson is from Des Moines, Iowa, not exactly a baseball hot bed, so you can imagine his dominance growing up. Back then Hellickson was always a “Winner” and never got rattled on the mound. He still has that winner’s mentality (71% career win percentage), and continues to dominate at any level he stops at.
Hellickson’s greatest strength may also be his greatest weakness, he doesn’t rely on only one or two pitches. Hellickson can and will throw his fastball, curve or changeup any time in the count. All three rate as slightly above average, and he can throw them all for strikes. This is also a weakness because none of his pitches are truly plus-plus, and he doesn’t have a pitch that will be a true “out” pitch at the major league level.
It’s rare to say this about a pitcher, but you would like to see Hellickson walk more batters. Walking only five percent of the batters he faces is great for now, but major league hitters generally feast on pitchers who don’t mix in some balls out of the strike zone here and there. Based on Stuff alone, Hellickson projects out as a #3 or #4 Starter in the big leagues. Factoring in his ability to “pitch” and poise on the mound, he’s got the upside of a #2 Starter.
Hellickson was recently placed on the disabled list retroactive to May 6th, due to some shoulder discomfort. He complained of the discomfort after a pickoff attempt, but has stated that he feels good, and doesn’t expect it to be serious. I hope he is right, because I can’t wait to see the “Des Moines Dominator” take the major leagues by storm in 2010.
Comparable Pitchers: Brad Penny, Johnny Cueto, Tim Redding
2010 Projection
Games Started: 18
Win-Loss: 7 – 7
Innings Pitched: 108
ERA: 4.49
WHIP: 1.44
Ks: 92
BB: 44
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