Nick Adenhart was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the in the 14th round of the 2004 draft out of high school. Though the 6-foot-4, 190-pound right handed pitcher was one of the top prep pitchers in the nation, he fell down draft boards after blowing out his elbow – required Tommy John surgery.
Adenhart made his professional debut in 2005, appearing in 14 games and throwing 50.0 innings. He was able to strikeout 59 while walking only 24 batters, quickly rewarding the Angels for taking a chance on him.
In 2006, Adenhart started in Single-A Cedar Rapids. There he struck out 99 batters while walking just 26 in 106.0 innings. Adenhart showed great command and posted a 1.95 ERA before being promoted to High-A Rancho Cucamonga.
After his promotion, Adenhart continued to improve, recording nearly a 3:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His stint in the California League was short and he will likely start 2007 back in Rancho Cucamonga.
Stuff
Adenhart
boasts a good repertoire of plus pitches complimented by excellent
command. He has a plus fastball that sits in the 92-95 range with good
life. His long, lanky arms allow him to generate plenty of velocity and
movement on the pitch.
Adenhart compliments his plus
fastball with a very good change up. He throws a circle change in low
80s. His changeup could be his primary out pitch by the time he’s ready
for the big leagues.
He throws a tight, heavy curveball in
the mid 70s. His curve is another above-average pitch that he can
command well. However, he has had trouble maintaining the movement on
this pitch.
Adenhart does a great job of working everything
down in the zone. For that reason he rarely gives up the long ball. He
is aggressive and always working hitters to find their weaknesses. With
his excellent control he is able to capitalize on hitters holes more
effectively.
Adenhart is fearless on the mound. He pounds the zone throughout each at-bat relentlessly. His intelligence and pitching knowledge shows every time he’s on the mound. He works different pitches and changes speeds effectively.
Weaknesses
Adenhart
certainly has some issues. At 20 years old he has already had Tommy
John surgery and that’s always going to raise some red flags. Questions
will linger about his durability and he will likely have to prove
himself at every level because of his high school injury.
Though it’s not exactly a weakness, Adenhart can rely on his fastball a bit too much given the quality of his other pitches. It’s an effective pitch but using it too much mitigates the velocity and movement.
Future Outlook
Adenhart
will likely get another look in the California League to start 2007 but
if all goes well, he’ll be moved up to Double-A Arkansas without
hesitation. He’s probably looking at a late 2008 or early 2009 major
league debut and, there is no reason to expect the Angels to rush him.
Adenhart has a good ceiling and projects as a number two starter. His control and stuff make him a potent pitcher. He has potential to be a big time strikeout pitcher in Anaheim someday. But he will always have doubters about his durability because of his surgery.
Koby Schellenger can be reached at koby.schellenger@gmail.com.