#14: RHP Drew Hutchison

Name: Andrew Hutchison
Position: Right-handed SP
Acquired: 15th round (2009)
Opening Day age: 20
Height/weight: 6'2", 165 lbs
Best/worst tool: Fastball/size

Scouting Report: Hutchison primarily features three pitches which have developed nicely since being drafted in 2009. His fastball, which was clocked at 88-92 mph in highschool, now consistently checks in at 92-95 mph. He throws it effectively to both right handers and left handers. Hutchison's secondary offerings have been works in progress, but have both made strides in the past year. In addition to his fastball gaining velocity as Hutchison got bigger, his slider has been augmented as well. His slider sat in the low 80's, but now is being fired in the mid-to-high 80's and has the potential to be a devastating pitch if he can harness it consistently. Hutchison throws his solid changeup with confidence both within and outside the zone, playing it against his fastball effectively.

2010 Stats: 68.2 IP, 51 H, 19 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 63 K
1.60 GO/AO, 2.49 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 8.26 K/9

2010 Analysis: The 2010 season was Hutchison's first, and he began in the New York - Penn League with Auburn. He made 10 starts, pitching effectively and earning a promotion to A-class Lansing in the summer. He pitched just as well in Lansing, perhaps even better. His success in the low minors is not surprising given his polish for a highschool pitcher, however his slider may be the determining factor in whether or not he can carry that success into the high minors.

Future outlook: Hutchison has no major flaws or concerns to be corrected. Hutchison just needs to focus on developing his pitches and perhaps getting stronger. He's still a skinny guy at 165 lbs, and if he bulks up to even 180 lbs his fastball could become a truly devastating pitch. The development of his slider should keep him in the rotation wherever he pitches and may be the determining factor as to whether or not he can reach the major leagues.

Perfect world projection: Solid #3 starter, in the mold of a right handed Brett Cecil, if he can make his slider more than a show-me pitch.

Worst case scenario: Fizzles out in the high minors because he failed to develop a satisfactory 3rd pitch.

Most likely outcome: Borderline #3/#4 starter. Hutchison is a smart pitcher and I have a lot of faith in his slider moving forward. He is the kind of guy who should realize his ceiling barring a devastating injury.

Drew Hutchison has started the 2011 season as the #2 starter with Lansing. Given his success there in 2010 and his dominant 2011 debut (7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 11 K), he likely won't be there long. He'll likely spend most of his season with High-A Dunedin, and could reach the majors in the second half of 2013.