The Keepers: - #96 - SP - Chris Hilliard

96.        SP         Chris Hilliard

Hilliard was a unanimous choice as the first team all-Region 23 starting left-handed pitcher after posting an 11-2 record with six complete games and a 4.41 earned run average for the nationally-ranked Itawamba C.C. Indians.

Hilliard was a 38th round draft pick by the Mets in 2008. He signed, and was assigned to the GCL mets, where he went 1-0, 2.87, 1.28, in ten relief appearances. This included 17 strikeouts in 15.2-IP, and only two walks.

Hilliard pitched relief for the GCL Mets in 2008, going 1-0, 2.87, 1.28 in 10 appearances.This included 17 Ks in 15.2 IP.

In 2009, he went 3-3, 2.83, for Kingsport, in 11 games, four of which he started. His strikeouts were down from his rookie year (27 in 41.1-IP) but his ERA remained under 3.00.

1-1-10 Forecast: Hilliard turns 22 in October, and there’s a good chance he will bypass Brooklyn and go straight to Savannah. St. Lucie seems to be stocked in 2010 relievers, so I don’t think he’ll jump that high. But, he did start three games this year, so we’re not sure just what his role will be in 2010.

7-12-10: - Chris pitched another good one for the Clones... 6.0-IP, 3-ER, 4-K, 1-BB. His yearly stats now stand at: 4-0, 3.72, 1.20, 29.0-IP, 20-K, 5-BB, 15.6%-K/PA, .313-BABIP, 3.26-FIP. Hilliard had a quickie appearance in Savannah but he was destined to pitch this year for Brooklyn.

Opinion:  I've been high on Hilliard since the day he signed and I expect him to start next season in St. Lucie. Hopefully, I'll get another look at him in Savannah before the season ends.

9-23-11: - #87 – P Chris Hilliard – Chris is getting passed over. He had a banner year in 2010 (9-1, 3.74) for Brooklyn, but started the season dinged up. There was no room for him in Savannah so it was back to Brooklyn (3-1, 3.48, 8-starts). Now, there are just more draft picks ahead of him. Remember, there are only 20 slots in the four rotations for full season teams. I have him coming to camp as part of a Sand Gnat piggyback, but he’s destined for the pen. – ETA: TBD