JJ Putz (65)

Pitch #1: Fastball, low to mid 90’s velocity, fairly straight pitch that he likes to blow by hitters up stairs. Controls it very well.

Pitch #2: Splitter, mid 80’s velocity. Big up and down movement, that he likes to bury in the dirt for strikeouts. Tries to set guys up for it by throwing a fastball up. Uses it as his strikeout pitch. Has a lot of confidence in it and will throw it a lot.

Delivery: Throws from the stretch from almost the middle of the rubber. Uses a very easy to repeat delivery with a belt high leg lift and a high three quarters arm slot. Fairly quick to the plate from the stretch, as he utilizes a slide step move. Does a good job of varying his looks and times to the plate.

Control: North and south pitcher that likes to set up his splitter with a high fastball. Has good command over both pitches, and can throw the splitter for a strike or as a chase pitch.

Poise: Great poise, doesn’t get rattled by anything. Real strong history of success as a closer. As reliable a reliever as your going to find who can handle high stress situations.

Physical Description: Big body, with strong lower half and broad shoulders. Carries bad weight around his midsection, needs to lose that weight.

Projection: Reliable closer. Has a history of being an all-star closer when healthy but has battled injuries over his career. Great two pitch mix. Worst case scenario he is an elite 8^th inning guy.