Philadelphia Phillies MLB Draft 2012: Why Shane Watson Was a Great Selection
June 7, 2012 by Zak Schmoll
Filed under Fan News
The Philadelphia Phillies made a good decision by going after right-handed pitcher Shane Watson with the 40th pick of the 2012 MLB draft.
Mark Narducci of the Philadelphia Inquirer asked Watson what his best pitch was:
“My curveball is my best pitch,” Watson said. “It is kind of like my Visa Express card, I can use it whenever I want.”
Obviously he has a sense of humor, but the main point in this quote is that he has a highly developed curveball. According to River Ave. Blues (the Yankees also had some interest in drafting Watson), that curveball sits in the upper 70s and low 80s.
He complements that with a fastball in the low 90s although since he is a large person (6’4″, 200 pounds) there is definitely the potential for more velocity. That being said, in the same article from River Ave. Blues, it was reported that he has hit 96 and 97 at showcase events, so that velocity might already be there.
The Philadelphia Phillies are definitely an aging team, and Watson will not make it to the major leagues for a little while. However, the Phillies do have an exciting crop of young starting pitchers coming through the minor leagues.
Watson will only add to that strength. All he really needs to do is add a changeup to remain in the starting rotation. His fastball would be all right, and he already has that strong curveball.
Compared to many high school pitchers, Watson is in a good place, and the Phillies made a good decision.
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