I’m a little late, I know, but now that the 2010 draft signing deadline has passed, I figured that I would begin highlighting the players that the Indians selected and signed – at least the top ones.
I’ll begin with the Tribe’s first selection, left-handed starting pitcher DREW POMERANZ (21), who they drafted with the 5th pick in the first round. The 6’5″, 235 lb. Pomeranz attended the University of Mississippi, where he went 9-2 with a 2.24 ERA, 139 K, 49 BB, and a .201 BAA in 16 starts (100.2 IP) in 2010. His season performance was outstanding enough to earn him the SEC Pitcher of the Year award and have him named to the SEC first team. His 2008 and 2009 stats are posted below.
Scouts rave about Pomeranz’s control, durability, poise, and potential. The Indians feel that they have a top-of-the-rotation starter in him, perhaps a #2 guy. He has a fastball that sits in the low-90s, a devastating curveball with a late 12-6-ish break (but not quite a 12-6 curve), and a change-up that, although much improved this past season, is still undeveloped. Pomeranz is no finesse pitcher; he simply overpowered NCAA batters during his time with Ole Miss. While his 90-94 MPH range (typically sits at about 91-92) might not appear to be overwhelming, scouts point out that his fastball has tremendous side movement on it. His curve clocks in the 77-81 MPH range and he has the ability to use it effectively early in the count or late as an out pitch.
Pomeranz has yet to make his professional debut, and he may not do so this season. Nevertheless, scouts say that he’s already well-developed and was a “safe” choice for the Indians, a guy that should reach the majors quickly. There’s little negative being said about this guy and I’m excited to see what he does for the Tribe.
2009: 8-4, 3.40 ERA, 124 K, 37 BB, .237 BAA in 95.1 IP (16 starts).
2008: 4-3, 4.16 ERA, 81 K, 30 BB, .270 BAA in 71.1 IP (17 appearances, 11 starts).
Upcoming Wigwammers 