by Jim Brown
*MLBDepthCharts.com considers any player not on a team's 40-man roster, in AAA, or ranked as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America or top 11 prospect by Baseball Prospectus before the 2010 season as an 'under the radar' player.
Under the Radar Minor League NL Hitting Performance of the Week
RHP Garrett Claypool, Lo-A Lakewood (PHI)
season stats: 1-2, 2.00 ERA, 54 IP, 36 H, 13 BB, 66 K in 12 games (8 starts)
May 25-May 31: 14 IP, ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 18 K in 2 starts
This was by far the best week that I've ever had for finding this feature’s weekly selection. With the criteria that I utilize, I had six pitchers that qualified for consideration. What gave me more satisfaction was that five of the six were not listed in any Top 30 list. I look forward to giving the other four a mention in the coming weeks if their performances stay the course. For this week, Claypool receives the accolades based on two outstanding starts. The 6'2" right-hander had a career-high 11 strikeouts over 7 innings on May 25th with just one run and two hits allowed. He followed that up with 7 shutout innings yesterday against Delmarva.
Drafted by the Athletics in the 32nd Round back in 2009, Claypool opted to finish his senior year at UCLA. He wasn’t the ace of the staff that year, but he did play a role in getting the Bruins to the 2010 College World Series. Drafted again, this time by the Phillies, in the 11th round, Claypool began his pro career with short-season Williamsport (3-3, 3.18 ERA, 34 IP) where he was used as both a starter and reliever. The 22 year-old has continued in a similar role this season with Lakewood. While he has not allowed an earned run over 10 innings as a reliever, Claypool has flourished as a starter (2.45 ERA, 44 IP, 32 H, 11 BB, 57 K in 8 starts).
Now regarded as one of the top pitchers in the SAL, Claypool ranks 2nd in ERA (behind teammate and May 11th UTR pick David Buchanan) and 2nd in strikeouts. He throws a high 80’s fastball that can touch 92. It’s a pitch that he hides very well out of this hand and is not afraid to come inside to the hitter. His curve and changeup both rate as above average. If he falters as a starter, his advancement shouldn’t be cut short as he should fit nicely in a middle relief role.
Relief Pitcher of the Week
LHP Josh Edgin, Lo-A Savannah (NYM): 1.27 ERA, 21.1 IP, 13 H, 8 BB, 28 K, 8 saves in 16 appearances; 4 IP, 0 ER, H, 0 BB, 7 K, 2 saves in 3 appearances
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UTR Minor League NL Hitting Performance of the Week
UTR Minor League AL Performances of the Week
Under the Radar 2011 Archive
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