Top 30 Prospects: #17 David Robertson

Age: 21
Height: 5’11
Weight: 175 lbs
Drafted: 17th Round, 2006, out of U. Alabama
Position: Relief Pitcher
Throws: Right

Stuff: Robertson throws both 2-seamer and 4-seamer in the mid-90s. He has a devastating mid-80s plus slider along with an average cutter. He depend use his 4-seamer and his slider for strikeouts, as he is a strikeout pitcher.

Control/Performance: Robertson’s control is a problem, as he has so much movement on his pitches. Although pitching to a .96 ERA in 44 G and 84.1 IP and 113 K’s line, he also walked 3.42 per 9 this season, his first in the system. That line is deceiving, because in the bulk of his innings at Charleston he walked only 2.87 per 9, but walked 4.05 per 9 at his next stop in Tampa. However, strikeouts are very impressive, and at all three levels he pitched at this year, he maintained a godly hit rate of 4.82 H/9.

Outlook: When Robertson improves his control, he will be a great closer prospect. He has great stuff, but, again, control is the problem. Moreover, he averaged over 2 innings per appearance, showing his stamina. His control isn’t the worst, but it could improve. He should have a great year next year starting at Trenton, and should move up to AAA and maybe even taste the big leagues in late August/September. He should move up this list quickly, and he will be a Yankees’ bullpen mainstay by 2009.

Ceiling: A, Health: A, Comparison: Not one real comaprison, but Pat Neshek/Francisco Rodriguez would do.

About these ads