February 10, 2010

Top 50 Twins Prospects 2010: #17 Anthony Slama

2010 Top 50 Twins Prospects | #17 | Anthony Slama

Position | Pitcher

Bats/Throws | Right/Right

Born | January 1, 1984 (Orange, California)

School
| University of San Diego

Height
| 6'3''

Weight
| 205 lbs.

2009 Ranking | 17




Breakdown
Before attending the University of San Diego, Anthony Slama spent two years at Santa Ana Community College where he was 5-5 with a 3.16 ERA in 34 appearances. He transferred to the University of San Diego in 2006 and between his Junior and Senior years went 4-5 with a 4.48 ERA in 49 appearances (including two starts). He was drafted in 2006 after his Junior season in the 39th round and signed as a draft-and-follow, which allowed him to play in his senior year.

Slama's first stop in the Twins organization was Elizabethton, where he spent just six games before moving up to Low-A Beloit. Between the two stops, Slama was 1-1 with a 1.70 ERA in 31 2/3 innings. In 2008, Slama went to the Florida State League and completely dominated his opponents. The 24-year-old was 4-1 with a 1.01 ERA with 25 saves in 51 games. Despite his outstanding play, Slama was never promoted and ended up spending the entire season with the Miracle. In 2009, Slama rightfully began the season in Double-A New Britain where he threw 65 1/3 innings for the Rock Cats before being promoted to Triple-A Rochester. Between the two stops, Slama was 4-4 with a 2.66 ERA and 29 saves.

Slama doesn't have overpowering stuff, but he has a deceptive delivery which plays in well with his repertoire. His slider is his out pitch, but he also has a good fastball that sits in the high 80's/low 90's and a circle-change. One thing that is important to note with Slama is that has been significantly older than his competition up to this point and there are plenty of critics who doubt his ability to become a closer at the Major League level. But it's hard to overlook a career 13.3 K/9 ratio and he's had no problem closing games at each level he's been at.

2009 Statistics
          Level      W     L     ERA     IP     K     BB     WHIP     FIP
          AA         4     2    2.48   65.1    93     32     1.19    2.91
AAA 0 2 3.45 15.2 19 8 1.21 2.31

2010 Outlook

Slama will begin the 2010 season in Triple-A Rochester where he will be the primarily closer for the Red Wings. He should get his call to the Major Leagues at some point during the season.

Pitching Repertoire
  • Fastball (88-92)
  • Slider
  • Change-up
Video


Estimated Time of Arrival
2010

1 comments:

Anonymous said...

Looking forward to seeing Anthony in the big leagues this year....he's a good one.