January 9, 2009

Top 50 Twins Prospects 2009: #40 Jay Rainville

2009 Top 50 Twins Prospects | #40 | Jay Rainville

Position | Pitcher

Bats/Throws | Right/Right

Born
| October 16, 1985 (Providence, Rhode Island)

School | Bishop Hendricken High School

Height | 6'3''

Weight
| 230 lbs.

2008 Ranking
| 19




Breakdown
The Twins drafted Rainville with the 39th pick of the first round (compensatory round) in the 2004 draft. Rainville was one of 4 pitchers taken in the first round by the Twins, as the club had 5 choices in the first 39 picks. Rainville was one of the highest touted high school pitchers in the draft, mainly due to his "bulldog" mentality on the mound and his blazing fastball, both of which reminded scouts of baseball legend Roger Clemens. Unfortunately, a nerve problem in his shoulder costed him the entire 2006 season. After returning in 2007, he put up good numbers in the Florida State League, finishing 9-11 with a 3.25 ERA and a 3.5 K/BB ratio. 2008 was a different story, he had a much harder time adjusting to the Eastern League and was sent back to Ft. Myers to work out his kinks with the Miracle. He did, but upon return still wasn't very good. Rainville hasn't been able to regain his mid-high 90's fastball since returning from surgery, but if he does, he could be a player to watch fly up the prospect charts. I don't know if he fits in as a potential starter long-term, but since he is a "workhorse" it's hard to imagine a switch to the bullpen at this time.

2008 Statistics
Level      W      L      ERA      IP      K      BB      WHIP      FIP
A+         1      1     2.87    15.2     13       3      1.02     2.94
AA 9 9 5.78 123.0 83 44 1.52 5.44

2009 Outlook

Rainville has proven to have what it takes to pitch in the Florida State League, now it is time for him to show if he has what it takes to pitch in the Eastern League. I expect him to be in New Britain with the Rock Cats in 2009.

Pitching Repertoire
  • Fastball
  • Curveball
  • Change-up
Video


Estimated Time of Arrival
2011

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