January 25, 2009

Top 50 Twins Prospects 2009: #24 Philip Humber

2009 Top 50 Twins Propsects | #24 | Philip Humber

Position | Pitcher

Bats/Throws | Right/Right

Brown
| December 21, 1982 (Nacogdoches, Texas)

School
| Rice University

Height
| 6'4''

Weight
| 225 lbs.

2008 Ranking
| 9




Breakdown
Philip Humber was drafted in the 1st round of the 2004 draft by the New York Mets. After 3 seasons with the Mets, he was traded in early 2008 to the Twins along with 3 other players in the Johan Santana trade. He had a hard time adjusting to the Twins system early in 2008, but he finished the season off strong in both Triple-A Rochester and with the Minnesota Twins. He still has not gained back his form since undergoing Tommy John Surgery in 2005. He does have a great curveball, which is slowly but surely regaining its same effectiveness. Although he's been a starter for most of his career, the bullpen may be where his calling is. It will all come down to Spring Training. If Humber pitches like he did in the last two months of the 2007 season, he should be able to find a spot in the Twins' bullpen. There is still a chance (although I'd call it very slight) that he could crack the rotation should Glen Perkins struggles this Spring (or if there's an injury).

2008 Statistics
Level      W     L     ERA     IP     K     BB     WHIP     FIP
AAA       10     8    4.56   136.1   106    49     1.42    4.86
MLB 0 0 4.63 11.2 6 5 1.37 8.10

2009 Outlook

If Humber doesn't start the season with the big league club, he will be placed on waivers and there's no doubt that he'll likely be claimed. This is Humber's really only second chance, but it could be his last to make an impression on the Twins. He will likely be competing with Boof Bonser and Jason Jones for a bullpen spot. He will likely receive a couple starts as well and could have a shot to crack the rotation if anyone struggles. But I think his best chance to make the roster is through the bullpen.

Pitching Repertoire
  • Fastball
  • Curveball
  • Change-up
Video


Estimated Time of Arrival
2008

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