Dexter Carter Scouting Report (2009)
One of the biggest questions of the 2009 minor league season is how much weight to put into a 22-year old in full season A ball leading all of MILB in strikeouts. With 138 strikeouts in 111 innings, Carter's strikeout totals jump off the page. A 2.76 FIP and 4.31 K/BB ratio is also impressive. However, as a 13th round pick and older prospect, does his repertoire match the numbers?
Physique and Athleticism: At 6'6", 195 lbs. he has a great pitcher's frame, but lacks any real size through the legs and shoulders. At 22, I can't help but question if he can pack 25-30 lbs of muscle as an older prospect with his lean build. His arm action was free and easy, and he didn't overthrow at all during the outing.
Mound Presence: Untouched throughout the start, Carter had reason to be calm and collected. He generally threw "book" using his fastball to set up his curve which led to a number of strikeouts. He was focused and efficient, and after reading about his struggles in college, I can see why they are bringing him along slowly.
Fastball: At 88-92, the fastball was an average offering he locates well, but lacks the consistent velocity and movement to profile as a potential plus pitch without his adding quite a bit of strength. In the bullpen, the pitch had tail in towards right-handers, but it flattened out considerably during the game. Carter worked the fastball in and out with success. However, I didn't see the arm speed or velocity out of his hand I expected a man of his size to produce. He may be able to add a couple of more ticks in velocity should he improve his leg drive off of the mound.
Curveball: Used to punch out a number of Sand Gnats hitters including Jefry Marte who looked downright silly, Carter's curve ball was his best pitch flashing plus when down in the zone. Working in the upper 70's, the pitch simply fell off the table and was too much for hitters at this level. However, he did drag his arm a big on a handful of offerings causing the pitch to flatten out and stay up in the zone. With his height, I'd imagine keeping a strong downward plane can be difficult at times.
Changeup: A distant third in terms of the strength of his repertoire, the 78-81 MPH change has decent location at times, but lacks the movement and consistency to project as anymore than a borderline average offering. His arm action also slows up from time to time tipping the pitch and causing the pitch to remain up in the zone.
Going forward, Dexter Carter will always be a family favorite due to his being gracious enough to give my son his warm up pitch. However, his pure stuff alone profiles as more of a bullpen arm than a true starting pitching prospect. With significant improvement on his change up, he could be more, but at 22 already, his still being a work in progress means he will have to take a big step forward this offseason to show he's ready for a AA assignment.
Physique and Athleticism: At 6'6", 195 lbs. he has a great pitcher's frame, but lacks any real size through the legs and shoulders. At 22, I can't help but question if he can pack 25-30 lbs of muscle as an older prospect with his lean build. His arm action was free and easy, and he didn't overthrow at all during the outing.
Mound Presence: Untouched throughout the start, Carter had reason to be calm and collected. He generally threw "book" using his fastball to set up his curve which led to a number of strikeouts. He was focused and efficient, and after reading about his struggles in college, I can see why they are bringing him along slowly.
Fastball: At 88-92, the fastball was an average offering he locates well, but lacks the consistent velocity and movement to profile as a potential plus pitch without his adding quite a bit of strength. In the bullpen, the pitch had tail in towards right-handers, but it flattened out considerably during the game. Carter worked the fastball in and out with success. However, I didn't see the arm speed or velocity out of his hand I expected a man of his size to produce. He may be able to add a couple of more ticks in velocity should he improve his leg drive off of the mound.
Curveball: Used to punch out a number of Sand Gnats hitters including Jefry Marte who looked downright silly, Carter's curve ball was his best pitch flashing plus when down in the zone. Working in the upper 70's, the pitch simply fell off the table and was too much for hitters at this level. However, he did drag his arm a big on a handful of offerings causing the pitch to flatten out and stay up in the zone. With his height, I'd imagine keeping a strong downward plane can be difficult at times.
Changeup: A distant third in terms of the strength of his repertoire, the 78-81 MPH change has decent location at times, but lacks the movement and consistency to project as anymore than a borderline average offering. His arm action also slows up from time to time tipping the pitch and causing the pitch to remain up in the zone.
Going forward, Dexter Carter will always be a family favorite due to his being gracious enough to give my son his warm up pitch. However, his pure stuff alone profiles as more of a bullpen arm than a true starting pitching prospect. With significant improvement on his change up, he could be more, but at 22 already, his still being a work in progress means he will have to take a big step forward this offseason to show he's ready for a AA assignment.
