11/22/09

The Keepers - #18 - SP/RP - Jim Fuller


18. James Fuller – SP – A+ - 23/yrs.


Fuller was a 21st round pick by the Mets in 2008. - On draft day: Fuller, who was previously named as both the ABCA/Rawlings Northeast Region and Northeast-10 Pitcher of the Year, led the nation in strikeouts (145), ranked second in strikeouts per nine innings (13.45) and was also among the top-10 nationally in hits allowed per nine innings and earned-run average. During the regular season, he led the Northeast-10 in ERA (0.99), opponent batting average (.163) and strikeouts (125). In addition, the southpaw finished tied for first in the conference in wins (nine) and fourth in innings pitched (82.0). Between Feb. 17 and Apr. 19, Fuller went 59 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run.

From http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/x1533840566 : - Article suggests that because of his 2 remaining years, he might not be a difficult sign and is willing to go back to school to improve draft status. "Fuller's dominance begins with his fastball. It was clocked at 93 miles per hour during SCSU's trip to Florida at the start of the season and is consistently around 91. But beyond simple heat, Fuller has three other pitches he can command - curve, slider and changeup." "The changeup, actually, is something new. Fuller says he throws it at about 75 miles per hour, meaning there's a 15-16 mph difference between the fastball and changeup, pitches that look exactly the same leaving his hand. It means there are a lot of hitters looking foolish as they swing at a ball that's still about five feet from home plate. "I try to work my fastball to get ahead, and then mix them all up," said Fuller. "This year I started to work in the changeup and it's been pretty effective. It's a pretty nice pitch when I get it to work."

In September 2008, Patrick Hickey wrote on: Jim Fuller- Someone who looked very solid, had great numbers, but didn’t pitch enough to really establish himself. Because of that, he may find himself in Brooklyn next season, but considering his college numbers and how well he fared at Keyspan Park in limited duty, he’s a guy that can easily be penned into the starting rotation in Savannah next season. - Final Grade- B+

Forecast:

Fuller has pitched his first two seasons for Brooklyn. Neither was for a full season and his combined stats for the two years are: 5-6, 2.44, 1.15, 20-games, 12-starts, 89-K, 1.0-IP. He will play 2010 as a 23 year old so it’s time to move, but there’s no room for him in the St. Lucie rotation. I still place him there in a relief role, but he may wind up in Savannah’s rotation instead.

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