P Bryce Stowell: A little erratic
by Chuck Murr of IndiansInk.net, September 24, 2009 at 12:49pm ET
Bryce Stowell Profile
Bryce Stowell threw hard, but needed to toss more strikes during a two-inning appearance in the Arizona Instructional League.
Stowell threw only three first-pitch strikes to the 10 batters he faced during a 7-4 loss to a team of Texas Rangers prospects. The right-hander, pitching on his 23rd birthday, gave up three hits, two runs (one earned), one walk and struck out two. He averaged 87 mph on his 33 pitches, topping out at 90 on the radar gun.
Stowell had a so-so debut season as a professional this year after being the Indians' 22nd-round draft pick in 2008 out of Cal-Irvine. In three games at Lake County and then 19 more at Kinston, the 6-foot-2 Stowell went 4-6 with a 4.76 ERA. In 70 innings overall, he gave up 68 hits and 37 walks, striking out 77.
He made seven starts and relieved 15 times for the season, but really struggled in Kinston's starting rotation. In six starts in the Carolina League, he went 0-4 with a 6.20 ERA. He seemed most comfortable out of the bullpen in August. In six outings, including only one start, he went 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA, striking out 19 and walking nine over 21 innings.
The Indians believe Stowell has excellent stuff, a good fastball and sweeping slider. They want him to work on his timing, mechanics and delivery -- particularly out of the stretch. He had a 16.20 ERA this summer with runners in scoring position.
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