Top 50 Twins Prospects 2010: #32 Ben Tootle

2010 Top 50 Twins Prospects | #32 | Ben Tootle

Position | Pitcher

Bats/Throws | Right/Right

Born | January 9, 1988 (Hamburg, New York)

School | Jacksonville State University

Height | 6'1''

Weight | 180 lbs.

2009 Ranking | Not Ranked




Breakdown
The Twins drafted Ben Tootle in the third round of the 2009 draft. In his three years at Jacksonville State University (the college in Alabama not Florida), Tootle appeared in 44 games, posting a 19-8 record and 4.82 ERA. For the most part, Tootle struggled in the Ohio Valley Conference but thanks to his high velocity and great showing in the 2008 Cape Cod league, Tootle was considered a sure-lock first round pick heading into the 2009 season. Tootle caught a stomach virus last Spring, which made him lose both 15 lbs. and a month of action. He played well afterward, but the virus made his stock to fall well out of the first round. Tootle was used as a starter in college, but given his "stuff" he may be best suited for the bullpen. He has two "plus" pitches including a fastball, which has been clocked at 98 mph, and a slider. He has a change-up, but it will need improvement.

2009 Statistics

         Level      W      L      ERA      IP      K      BB      WHIP     SV

         R (ELZ)    0      0     0.00     6.1      1       2      0.95      2

2010 Outlook
Like Matt Bashore, Tootle will likely start the year with the Beloit Snappers but should finish with the Ft. Myers Miracle if he has a strong first half.

Pitching Repertoire

• Fastball (93-98)
• Slider
  
• Change-up
  

Video
None

Estimated Time of Arrival
2012

(Photo courtesy of Mack's Mets)