He began 2008 with Low-A West Michigan, but had a rough go of it. In 32.1 IP, he surrendered 34 hits and 28 walks while striking out 22.
He was demoted to the Gulf Coast League and found things a bit easier. He pitched 38 innings, allowing 27 hits and 13 walks. He fanned 43.
It's likely that Hamilton was simply wasn't ready for the assignment to West Michigan. Since he performed well in the GCL, I'd expect him to be given another test in West Michigan to start 2009.
He has a low 90s fastball and a power curve that some say rivals the one Porcello has. His command needs work and he needs to develop a third pitch, but he has toyed with a changeup in the past.
Born on Christmas day, Hamilton could eventually be a real gift to the organization. His ceiling is quite high, though he's a long way from reaching it.
5. Casey Crosby, LHP, 9/17/88
Like Porcello, Crosby fell in the draft due to a high price tag. He slipped to the fifth round, but eventually signed for $748,500, the equivalent of first round money.
He underwent Tommy John surgery shortly after the draft and didn't make his professional debut until the final weeks of this past season.
There's not much on the numbers front to go on with Crosby, who only threw 4.2 innings in the summer for the GCL Tigers.
Scouting wise, there's a lot to love. At 6'5"/205 lbs, he has a prototypical power pitcher's build. He has a mid 90s fastball, but his breaking pitches, his command, and his mechanics need a lot of work.
Still, lefthanders with that combination of size and heat are hard to come by and if everything else comes together, he could become a front of the rotation pitcher.
Crosby has only been a full-time pitcher since 2006, so between that and the Tommy John surgery, he's especially raw for a 20-year-old pitcher.
Prior to becoming a full-time pitcher, he spent time in center field and was an All-State wide receiver on his high school's football team.
The Tigers will be patient with Crosby. Depending on how he looks in the spring, he could open 2009 with West Michigan or he could be held back until the short season leagues begin their seasons in June.
3 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete