Tom Brennan - Majoring on the Minors: Top 30 Prospects - #19 Michael Fulmer

MAJORING ON THE MINORS: TOP 30 PROSPECTS – #19 MICHAEL FULMER - VOL.12 – Tom Brennan

I’m doing my Top 30 Prospects articles a bit differently – in 2 lists:

·       A top 10 list of lower minors guys who likely won’t show up until 2017 or later.  See list at end of this article. 

·       Followed by my top 20 list of guys who are closing in on the big leagues.  Guys who could help in the near future or be trade bait. 

Here is the list so far - #20   Daniel Muno

Today, selection #19:

MICHAEL FULMER

It hurts me to write about Michael Fulmer...because he always seems to be hurt.  I hope his knee is now 100%, post-meniscus, and he gives us 140 or more superb innings this season in A and AA.

Having been drafted all the way back in 2011, this supplemental #1 pick seems to have been around in pretty disappointing fashion for a very long time.  But he will just be 22 in 2015, and in one sense his injuries may have been a blessing in disguise....because had he been completely healthy in his career, he might now be majorl eague ready along with the seemingly 40 or so other guys who currently are.

If he can stay healthy, no reason he could not refine his stuff and get to the bigs in relief or as a back end starter by mid- to late-2016.  A surge year, and possibly a call up in September this year, thought I doubt it.  He'd still be 24 in 2016 and packing heat.  

But that progress picture is far from a lock, as his 6-11 seasonin 2014  with a 4.38 ERA, almost entirely in high class A ball, with a 1.50 WHIP, is not one that inspires certainty as to the speed and amount of his future progression (Tom, keep reminding yourself he was just 21 last year.  He was just 21, just 21…). 

Fortunately, his pre-2014 pitching history, though injury-marred, showed better results.  So he certainly should rebound in 2015, refine his repertoire, and hopefully (dare I say it) dominate.

He does K almost a guy per inning, which is mildly encouraging.   Speaking of “mildly”, his 20 hit batters in 258 innings must make hitters mildly uncomfortable.  A mean streak perhaps?  No fear?  Good.

He is listed at 6'3", 200, but looks bulkier to me.  But the righty's pitching size is good for a power guy.

I classify some guys as overachievers.  So far, Fulmer is sort of the opposite.  Here's hoping in 2015 he brings his eraser to the chalkboard and gives us a great 2015 to wipe away memories of past mediocrity and shows us that being the 44th overall pick in 2011 was no fluke.  

Because we can always use more quality pitching....right?

MY TOP 10 LOWER MINORS LIST:

# 1 - Marcos Molina

#2 – Michael Conforto

#3 – Amed Rosario

#4 – Dominic Smith

#5 - Jhoan Urena

#6 – Vicente Lupo

#7 – Wuilmer Becerra

#8 – Luis Guillorme

#9 - Casey Meisner

#10 - Milton Ramos