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When watching minor league pitchers, [tag]strikeout to walk ratio[/tag] is a very good indicator to keep an eye on. A high K/BB ratio means the pitcher has good command and control and is usually over-powering hitters. Continually posting high K/BB ratios gets you promoted through the minors and ultimately to the major leagues.

Here are three minor league pitchers, without any major league experience, that could see the major league dreams come true in 2008.

• Alan Horne | Trenton Thunder (New York Yankees AA) - [tag]Alan Horne[/tag] was named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year in 2007 after goig 12-4 with a 3.11 ERA and a 2.89 K/BB (165/57) ratio. Horne led the Yankees farm system in strikeouts and scouts believe he is ready to pitch in the major leagues. Let’s see if Brian Cashman can find a spot in the rotation for him.
• Eric Hurley | Oklahoma Redhawks (Texas Rangers AAA) - I joked during the season about Kevin Slowey and his last name not being a great pitchers name. Well [tag]Eric Hurley[/tag]’s last name rocks for a starting pitcher. This Texas Rangers top prospect enjoyed a 2.45 K/BB (135/55) ratio last season while making adjustments to his windup. His walks should drop a bit, making his K/BB ratio even better in ‘08, but he’ll need to increase his groundball rate (38%) to make any impact in the big leagues.
• Will Inman | San Antonio Missions (San Diego Padres AA) - [tag]Will Inman[/tag] is probably the pitcher on this list furthest away from the big leagues, and when I say that I mean that he could show up by mid season. In 2007 he posted more strikeouts (180) than innings pitched (159.2) and had a 3.10 K/BB (180/58) ratio. Inman mixes three pitches (90 MPH fastball, 12 to 6 curveball and changeup) in his arsenal and hates walking hitters. Best thing yet about the Padres top prospect… He’s only 20.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 16th, 2007 at 11:56 am and is filed under Prospects. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.