Zach Putnam

[Verlander]

Colby whats your thoughts on Putnam? I noticed BA has him ranked as the 3rd best prep prospect, yet you don't have him in your top 30 overall prospects. What if anything do you see in him that doesn't have you convinced? Thanks

[colbyjack]

Zach Putnam was a big oversight on my part. I wasn't impressed with his performance in the AFLAC game, but like many players, I have since seen & heard a lot more about him to sway my opinion. In a few threads you may have read that he is now within my faves for the #5 pick.

 

He will be added to my next update, which likely will occur within 2 weeks. As for my thoughts, you pretty much can see them within the thread of your previous inquiry regarding the top flamethrowers. He has great control, command, and outstanding mechanics. He doesn't have the most projectable of frames, and his sloped shoulders makes him look more like a hitter. He touches 94, but works in the 88-91 range. All of his pitches show great movement, with his curveball, changeup and even fastball showing great, late life. Those attributes are the reason he's rated so high, much like Zach Greinke from a few years ago.