In this edition of Prospect Watch we look at Red Sox 2006 1st Round draft pick, Daniel Bard. The 23-year old enters his third year of pro ball, with the first two having been polar opposites. In 2007 the right-handed hurler went 3-7 with a 7.08 ERA over 22 starts in Single-A, and looked like a potential bust after walking 78 over 75 innings. But the Sox converted him to a reliever before '08 began and things changed drastically. Bard split time between Greenville (A) and Portland (AA), appeared in 46 games, walked just 30 over 77.2 innings and his 95-100 mph fastball helped him strike out 107. So impressive was his turnaround that Bard went from bust to the Baseball America Top 100 Prospect list (#96) for 2009. If Bard can develop a dominant second pitch he could be a great major league closer some day, perhaps even making Jonathan Papelbon expendable down the road.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Prospect Watch: Daniel Bard
In this edition of Prospect Watch we look at Red Sox 2006 1st Round draft pick, Daniel Bard. The 23-year old enters his third year of pro ball, with the first two having been polar opposites. In 2007 the right-handed hurler went 3-7 with a 7.08 ERA over 22 starts in Single-A, and looked like a potential bust after walking 78 over 75 innings. But the Sox converted him to a reliever before '08 began and things changed drastically. Bard split time between Greenville (A) and Portland (AA), appeared in 46 games, walked just 30 over 77.2 innings and his 95-100 mph fastball helped him strike out 107. So impressive was his turnaround that Bard went from bust to the Baseball America Top 100 Prospect list (#96) for 2009. If Bard can develop a dominant second pitch he could be a great major league closer some day, perhaps even making Jonathan Papelbon expendable down the road.
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From soxprospects.com:
Age: 23
Born: June 25, 1985 - Charlotte, NC
Height: 6-4
Weight: 200
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Drafted: 1st round, 2006; 20th round, 2003 by NYY
College: North Carolina
High School: Charlotte Christian (NC)
ETA: late 2009
Scouting Report: Live arm with a smooth delivery, although he needs to work on keeping a consistent release point. His fastball looks effortless, and consistently hits 97-98 with decent command but minimal movement. When he reaches back, he can apparently hit 101 mph on the gun. Two-seamer shows a bit more break and sits in the low-to-mid 90s. Secondary pitches are decent, but need a lot of refinement, including: (1) a high 80s cut fastball; (2) an 84 mph slider; and (3) a circle change with some downward movement. Previously Bard's breaking pitch was a high 70s slurve, but it was converted to a slider with more velocity in mid-2008. Needs some improvement on keeping all of his pitches down in the zone. Struggled through major control issues throughout the entire 2007 season, particularly with his slurve Has a strong frame and a mature demeanor, but has some confidence issues. Bard took well to a bullpen role in the Hawaii League in 2007, and was converted to a full time reliever in 2008. He changed his delivery by lowering his arm slot prior to the 2008 season, adding a little bit of life to his fastball.
MLB Comparison: Kyle Farnsworth
In spring so far Bard has pitched 4 innings over 4 appearances. He has allowed 1 hit, 1 walk, 0 runs and 7 strikeouts.
VERY impressive!
Bard hitting 101 is awesome. It is so rare to see pitchers that throw that hard.
i hope they let him close in pawtucket this year. just because a guy has sick stuff doesnt mean he can close. sweet turnaround though
is 101 legit? if so he can be a valuable trade piece if we need to add something mid season
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