RP Neil Wagner: A perfect ninth
by Chuck Murr of IndiansInk.net, August 25, 2009 at 11:31pm ET
Neil Wagner Profile
Neil Wagner struck out all three batters he faced to save the Akron Aeros' 4-3 win at Bowie.
Wagner (3.13 ERA) has had a reasonably OK season, but seems to be stuck at Double-A. In 54 2-3 innings over 42 games, the hard-throwing right-hander is 0-3 with two saves. He has struck out 59 and allowed only 43 hits, but also given up too many walks (31) to be considered a consistent option at the back-end of the bullpen.
Wagner was only a 21st round draft pick out of North Dakota State in 2005, but had two very impressive seasons in the low minors in 2006 and 2007.
In his pro debut season at Mahoning Valley in '06, he had 17 saves and a 1.39 ERA in 26 outings. Moved up to Lake County in '07, he had 11 saves in 34 outings, striking out 49 and walking 11 over 44 innings to earn a midseason promotion to High-A Kinston. In 16 games with the K-Tribe, he had a 3.00 ERA, 18 strikeouts and six walks over 24 innings.
Wagner has hit 98 mph on the radar gun with his fastball, but needs more than that. He has struggled to command his breaking ball or off-speed pitch.
He split the 2008 season between Kinston (3-6, 4.50 ERA, three saves) and Akron (0-2, 3.60 ERA), again posting fabulous strikeout numbers. In 72 total innings, he gave up 77 hits and 25 walks, fanning 92.
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