Top 50 Twins Prospects 2010: #26 Rob Delaney

2010 Top 50 Twins Prospects | #26 | Rob Delaney

Position | Pitcher

Bats/Throws | Left/Right

Born | September 8, 1984 (Westwood, New Jersey)

School | St. Johns University

Height | 6'3''

Weight | 235 lbs.

2009 Ranking | 16




Breakdown
After three unspectacular seasons at St. John's University, Rob "Big Daddy" Delaney signed with the Twins as an undrafted free agent on June 19, 2006. That summer Delaney pitched 38 innings between the Gulf Coast League and Florida State League, posting a combined 4.73 ERA. In 2007, Delaney began making a name for himself with the Beloit Snappers. The 22-year-old reliever set a Beloit team record with 28 saves. He was later promoted to High-A Fort Myers and finished off the season with a combined 1.02 ERA, 35 saves and 83 strikeouts in 70 innings.

Delaney's success continued in 2008, posting a 1.23 ERA in 46 appearances evenly split between Ft. Myers and Double-A New Britain. In 2009, many believed that Delaney was ready for a promotion to Triple-A Rochester, but Delaney still started the season back with New Britain. He was eventually called up to Rochester in early June and between the two stops, Delaney had a 3.44 ERA in 83 2/3 innings. Delaney's numbers in Rochester weren't as nearly impressive as his numbers in New Britain. In fact, he only had one month with the Red Wings where he posted an ERA under 5.28.

Throughout his career, Delaney has maintained outstanding control with only 49 walks in 257 2/3 innings pitched. He isn't a hard thrower, but he has a great slider, which compliments his low-90's fastball. Pitching coach Steve Mintz worked with Delaney when he was with the Snappers and Miracle, has been credited with altering his slider grip, which has given it more bite. He also has a change-up, but his slider is his bread and butter pitch. Delaney was added to the 40-man roster in the off-season and will likely see time in the Majors at some point in 2010.

2009 Statistics

          Level      W      L      ERA      IP      K      BB      WHIP     FIP

          AA         1      1     2.00    36.0     40       6      1.06    1.92
          AAA        7      3     4.53    47.2     38      15      1.22    3.91

2010 Outlook
Delaney will begin the 2010 season in Triple-A Rochester, but he could be one of the first pitchers promoted if the Twins need bullpen help.

Pitching Repertoire

• Fastball (90-92)
  
• Slider
  
• Change-up

Video


Estimated Time of Arrival
2010