9. Scott Barnes, LHP
DOB: 11/5/87
Height/Weight: 6-4/185
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted/Signed: Eighth round, 2008, St. John’s University
2011 Stats: 1.64 ERA (11-5-2-17) at Double-A (2 G); 3.68 ERA (88-80-34-90) at Triple-A (16 G)
Tools Profile: He has a solid three-pitch mix from the left side.
Year in Review: This southpaw was on the verge of the big leagues before he injured his knee.
The Good: Barnes throws strikes with three pitches. His fastball sits in the low 90s and has a bit of natural movement. His best secondary offering is a slider that is average to a tick above. He has confidence to use his average changeup at any point in the count. Everything about his game plays up due to his command, his left-handedness, and some deception in his delivery.
The Bad: Very little about Barnes is overwhelming. While his arsenal is deep and doesn’t have a weakness, he also lacks a true go-to plus offering that will consistently miss big-league bats. He doesn’t have much projection, and multiple scouts think he’s already maxed out.
Cool Fact: Barnes was a third-round pick in 2005 by the Nationals out of Cathedral High in Springfield, Massachusetts. The only other player ever drafted out of that school is fellow lefty Chris Capuano. He was brought over from the Giants organization in the Ryan Garko trade in 2008.
Perfect World Projection: He could be a solid fourth starter.
Fantasy Impact: Waiver wire pick-up.
Path to the Big Leagues: Barnes spent the offseason recovering from knee surgery, but he should be ready on Opening Day. He’ll begin the year back at Columbus, but should see the big leagues at some point during the season.
ETA: Depends on whether Roberto Heredia makes an appearance. Late this year.
You can watch Scott pitch below, courtesy of Tony Lastoria at Indians Prospect Insider.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=p_xK73USt-4?rel=0
Here are Scotts minor league stats, courtesy of Fan Graphs.
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