Anthony Claggett. Sure, Alan Horne is on everyone's radar and Jeffrey Marquez is getting there. Yes of course we have 3 can't miss prospects that were just called up last year. Yes, Mark Melancon and J.B. Cox have the chance to be a 10+ year combo that will bring back memories of Rivera setting up Wetteland and are far more intriguing. But, please, do yourself a favor and atleast check him out sometime. He currently fills the role of a lights out reliever for AA Trenton Thunder, but due to some of his own Thunder, a Scranton or Yankee promotion is forthcoming Why? The former 11th Round pick of the 2005 Draft can flat out pitch. Claggett has an amazing combo of plus fastballs and sliders. His fastball will check in around 93 mph with a straight delivery, but a deceptive motion that throws hitters off. His slider is off the charts and he has great command of it. Claggett tends to throw the slider early in counts, but has the ability to throw it anywhere in the count. He adjusts the location of his slider very well and will drop it lower, as most great strikeout pitchers do, with 2 strikes for a predictible result. Through the slider, Claggett's infield will take a lot of weak ground balls that will lower his pitch count and make it easy on the defense to make the play. Claggett also throws a changeup, right now it is considered to be average, but it is developing nicely. With this trio of pitches, Claggett can start or be an effective reliever. Right now, due to the surplus in starting pitchers, it makes sense to keep him as a reliever. The fastball/slider combo is one that has given many relievers incredible success in the big leagues and Claggett should be no different. Also in his favor is his ability to get both a lot of strikeouts but also be able to get ground balls in situations where a double play is needed or to preserve his pitch count. Claggett has great composure on the mound with great pitching demeanor. This 22 year old could make it to the majors sometime this season as a reliever, or next season if a Scranton promotion is believed to be neccessary. Right now, Clagget is tearing up the AA level, pitching in 9 games for Trenton, Claggett is 1-0 with a .98 ERA. A .98 ERA? Jeez that reminds me of a guy named Mariano Rivera, who just never gave up runs. He has 15 strikeouts in just over 18 innings, with 18 hits given up. Right now, 1 hit per inning is not bad, so long as he continues to keep that baserunner from scoring, as evidenced by his ERA, that shouldn't be a problem. So, now that you've met the star in the making, how would you like to see this guy in pinstripes in the 6th/7th inning this season?
Pinstriped as Always,
Laura
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