NUMBER 8: Brent Fisher - LHP
Fisher is a young pitcher (he won't turn 20 until August 2007) with a lot of upside. The 6-2, 190 pound youngster was drafted out of high school in 2005 (round 7) and put up great numbers in Rookie ball last season - pitching 72.1 innings with an ERA of 2.12. Fisher also posted 107 K's vs. only 19 walks, showing very good control.
Fisher has a good fastball, hitting the upper 80's/lower 90's and a curve, both of which he seems to have decent command of. According to scouting reports I've read, he's got good mechanics and a solid frame, so he can hopefully avoid the "fragile pitcher" syndrome. Fisher also has a changeup, but according to what I've read, it isn't much of a weapon at this point....maybe it's something that will develop by the time he hit's the big leagues, as he's likely still at least a three years away.
The room for improvement is very high, as Fisher has yet to play a full season, which he'll do in 2007 (probably with the Low A club). After dominating two years of rookie ball (a combined 176 K's in 122 innings) it'll be interesting to see how he puts it all together in one, longer season. If he dominates at Low A, I don't see any reason the Royals wouldn't go ahead and bump him up to High A this year, with a trip to Wichita possible in 2008. I'm assuming we won't see Fisher in KC until sometime in 2010 (maybe Sept. '09).
PROJECTION:
It's hard to say at this early stage. Fisher definitely appears to have the right stuff....SO FAR. He's got a long way to go and you never can tell with prospects (especially pitchers). Since a true ace is hard to find, I'll guess we're looking at a #3-5 starting pitcher....possibly a reliever. Should be fun to follow this season and beyond - he's definitely one to watch over the next couple of years.
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