6. Nick Hagadone, LHP
DOB: 1/1/86
Height/Weight: 6-5/230
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted/Signed: First round in 2007, University of Washington
2011 Stats: 1.59 ERA (22.2-14-7-24) at Double-A (12 G); 3.35 ERA (48.1-42-15-53) at Triple-A (34 G); 4.09 ERA (11-4-6-11) in MLB (9 G)
Tools: He has a late inning-worthy fastball/slider combination.
Year in Review: He was part of the Victor Martinez deal in 2009. Hagadone had his second straight healthy season and missed bats during his short yet effective big-league debut.
The Good: Hagadone is an intimidating presence on the mound who comes at hitters with a mid- to upper-90s fastball that misses bats. His slider gives him a second plus power offering. He’s made strides in his command and control, to the point they project as average.
The Bad: Hagadone has had Tommy John surgery and there is still considerable effort in his delivery. He had trouble falling behind in the count with the Tribe last year, and needs to throw more strikes with his slider as opposed to using it solely as a chase pitch. He’s 26 years old, so there is little projection left.
Fun Fact: More than 50 pitchers have been selected out of the University of Washington. They’ve combined for only 85 wins in the majors and Tim Lincecum accounts for more than 80 percent of them. Can Hagadone be as effective out of the bullpen as Lincecum is in the rotation?
Projection: He’ll be a set-up man with some chance to close.
Fantasy Impact: It’ll be minimal, unless he’s getting saves.
Future Outlook: Hagadone will compete for a big-league bullpen role in spring training.
(Scouting report courtesy of Tony Lastoria at Indians Prospect Insider)
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