Lance McCullers to Astros: Video Highlights, Scouting Report and Analysis

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6’1”/190

Bats/Throws: L/R 

DOB: 10/2/1993

High School: Tampa Jesuit (Fla.)

College Commitment: Florida

Say what you want about McCullers’ size and max-effort delivery. At the end of the day, all that matters is that he has some of the best pure stuff in the entire 2012 draft class.

At 6’1”, 190 pounds, the right-hander’s fastball registers 94-96 mph and has even been gunned at 98-100 mph. Despite his ability to flirt with triple digits, McCullers' best offering is his plus curveball with tight spin and hard, late bite.

Rounding out his arsenal is a changeup that has some fade, but noticeably lags behind his other pitches. However, it does have potential to be an above-average pitch.

Lance’s father, also named Lance, was a highly successful major league reliever from 1985 to 1992, registering a career 3.25 ERA with 39 saves and 7.6 K/9 over 526.1 innings.

The only question is whether McCullers' future is as a starter or reliever. He’s a strong kid who repeats his mechanics and arm action and has shown that he can handle a heavy workload, so I see no need for an immediate move to the bullpen. Due to his plus breaking ball, McCullers is best compared to A.J. Burnett. As a starter, McCullers’ top-notch stuff gives him a chance to reach the major leagues by 2015.