Cleveland Indians: Pitching Prospect Austin Adams Developing in Minor Leagues

Cleveland Indians right-handed pitching prospect Austin Adams appears to be developing well in the minor league system.

In 2008, the Milwaukee Brewers selected him in the 27th round of the draft as a shortstop, but he did not sign with them.

Adams was selected by the Indians in the fifth round of the 2009 first-year player draft. He had been playing for Faulkner University.

The Indians have made some good moves during this offseason that should produce well and lead to some effective results.

Adding to Cleveland's depth is their future strength on the pitching staff. Strong, solid-performing pitchers are the key to a successful season.

Adams is one of their pitchers who is doing well with player development in the farm system. He was a shortstop in college, so pitching is somewhat new to him. As a newer pitcher, he is performing very well and shows promise for further development.

His fastball averages in the mid-90s, and he has the ability to throw harder and faster. His slider breaks late and can easily fool batters causing them to strikeout.

Over three seasons in the minors, moving from Single-A to Double-A, he has a record of 22-16, 272 strikeouts in 285 innings pitched and 3.41 ERA.

For the week of Aug. 8, 2011, he received the Eastern League All-Star Pitcher of the Week Award, after being named a mid-season All-Star in July.

Adams needs some more time in Double-A, and he will need some coaching and skill refinement in Triple-A. He needs to work on some pitching mechanics and develop some more pitches, including a more effective changeup.

In time, I think that he will develop well, as he works through the minors. I would not be surprised to see him get a call-up in Sept. 2013.

Whether or not he has what it takes to become a starting pitcher in MLB remains to be seen, but 2012 will be a great opportunity for him to strengthen his arm and expand his pitch arsenal.

The Indians have a bright future with Austin Adams.