Tim Alderson Assessment

I went down to catch a game in early summer and I got to see Tim Alderson pitch. At this time, he was still considered a top pitching prospect in the minor. However, by the end of the season he was pitching in a different organization and was ranked much lower on prospect lists.

Size: Alderson looked a touch shorter than his listed 6'7 height. He was more in the 6'5 range in height and still looked to have a bit of projection left since he was not filled out yet. I think he could probably add about 10-15 pounds on his frame which would help his velocity.

Motion: His motion seemed a bit choppy at times when he pitched. Alderson pitched out of the stretch in high school and still maybe adjusting to pitching out of the windup. However, in his motion he used his legs well and wasn't all arm.

Stuff: Alderson was lukewarm at best in this outing. His fastball ranged from 86 to 91, but mostly settled in the 86 to 88 range. Alderson managed to reach 93 and 94 MPH on two pitches in this outing. Alderson's fastball also was quite hittable as it was often in the zone. His curveball ranged from the mid 70's to 78 and it was a slightly better than average pitch, but not the elite curveball he showed in 2008. He also hung a curveball which he allowed for a hit but would be a homer if it was in the majors. Alderson's changeup which he threw handful of times was a mediocre pitch. While he did get a stikeout on the pitch, it did not have a lot of bite and was mostly a straight change.

My assessment of Alderson is that, either he was pitching hurt all year or he's going to have a very hard time getting into a major league starting rotation. If the velocity doesn't come back this year, he will not be considered a major prospect again. If the velocity does comeback with an improved curve and change, he could be considered a future number 3 starter.