alderson has velo again?

[Illinest]

Tim at pirates prospects put up an article about tim alderson apparently recovering his old velocity. He has been clocked in the 89 to 92 range this spring, which is frankly incredible to me after reports that he was topping out in the low 80s in 2010. Alderson is tall and he has a hitch in his delivery that makes his pitches have a good downward plane and some deception coming out of the hand. His curveball is very good and he was once ranked 45th on a top 100 prospect list. For perspective - only taillon and cole have been higher. He is also only 23 years old.

Alderson is being stretched out as a starter again and there is optimism that long toss programs may be able to recover and maintain his velocity enough to make him a prospect again. Look for him to start in AA this year and move up if all goes well. Just my guess.

 

[magnumo]

Thanks for that good news, Illinest. It would be great to look back and see that NH didn't give away Freddy Sanchez for nothing.

 

[Illinest]

Pirates Prospects Prospect Notebook: Tim Alderson Reviving His Prospect Status

He has been converted to a starter and he had a good start last time out. He's only 24 years old and this article claims that he was actually the youngest player on the Indianapolis roster when he was promoted earlier in the season.

His WHIP is 1.031 between two levels and his ERA is 2.25. His K/9 isn't super good but at 6.8 it is at least respectable and is noticeably improved from what it was in 09 and 10. His BB/9 is likewise noticeably better this year.

 

[thecrow124]

His k/9 was hurt yesterday when the Erie hitters were swinging at everything in the strike zone. He only k'd 3 in 7 innings, but also only threw 60 pitches. If the opposition is going to get themselves out why try to force strikeouts. Anyway, he will need to carry this success past a couple starts, probably keep the velo up well into the season for him to regain prospect status, and carry it through next season with similar results to regain top prospect status.

 

[element1286]

With his stuff, and size, he should be able to get a lot of groundballs, making up for his stuff not being "swing and miss."

 

[Darkstone42]

Alderson returning to top prospect status would be a huge deal for the Pirates, obviously.

He might be the sort of piece they could flip in a trade for a much-needed Major League bat.

 

[Etrius24]

With the way that Bedard, McDonald and Correia have been pitching... I agree darkstone this team needs more than anything another legit MLB bat

And btw... It is good news that this kid is healthy and throwing hard again...Any and all good news is appreciated.