Thursday, April 17, 2008

Meet the Marlins Prospect: Don Czyz

Don Czyz - Relief Pitcher - 6′2 - 200lbs - 24 years old - Bats: Right - Throws: Right

Don Czyz
W L ERA IP BB K BAA WHIP HR/9
Greensboro 3 5 4.61 66.1 15 72 .281 1.34 0.68

Taken in the 7th round of the 2006 draft, Don Czyz was signed by the Marlins coming off a season where he led the country in saves with the Kansas Jayhawks. The 6′2 righthander struggled a bit in his professional debut with the Jamestown Jammers. Known for having good control, Don gave up 4.5 walks per 9 innings, something he hadn’t done since 2003, as a sophomore at KU. With his shaky command, he still allowed opposing hitters to hit just .225 off him.

He spent the entire 2007 season in hitter-happy Greensboro where most of his peripherals went down. His era, walks per 9, and whip went down, while his innings pitched and strikeouts per 9 went up. Of note is his era vs righties was at 5.28 yet his overall numbers against righties would suggest otherwise. He struck out 57 in 44.1 innings, gave up just 49 hits, walked only 9 and gave up 4 homeruns. Perhaps Czyz was more unlucky than anything in Greensboro as his numbers suggest a better earned run average.

Don throws a 91-93 mph to go along with an improving slider and changeup. While is his overall size and arm action aren’t ideal, Don is a bulldog on the mound and loves to compete. Being that he is a college guy, he could be promoted at a moment’s notice. At this point, he is scheduled to be in Jupiter for 2008, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in Carolina at any time.

Update: 7ip 6h 4r(3er) 4bb 8k .214baa 3.86era

1 comment:

ASponge said...

Sounds like my kind of player. "Bulldog on the mound" is the type the Marlins need.