Michael Olmsted Scouting Report (2008)
Olmsted is a 21-year old former 9th round pick in the 2007 draft out of Cypress College California. He posted a 9-4 record prior to being drafted with a 4.19 ERA as both a starter and reliever. After missing months due to an arm injury, he advanced quickly through two levels of short season ball en route Savannah. He finished the 2008 season with a 2.67 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 33 2/3 innings pitched and will likely be considered a decent sleeper entering 2009.
I watched Olmsted struggle through his worst outing of the season. I was impressed by his slider, but the rest of his arsenal left something to be desired. For a man so tall to drop down to a low 3/4 delivery has to take away from his velocity doesn't it? A couple of additional ticks on the fastball and a slider with a little more bite could land him a bullpen job in New York at some point, but I question his ability as a starter having to work through a lineup two or three times in an outing.
- Tall, thick build; Looked listed height/weight of 6'6" 245; Will need to watch weight as he gets older
- Drops down during delivery; 3/4 sling delivery
- 87-91 MPH with fastball during innings 1-3
- 86-88 with the fastball from the 4th inning on
- Did not finish pitches once tired; Arm remained off to the side during follow through
- Visibly strained to reach 91 MPH; No explosion out of his hand
- Slider consistently around 81 MPH; Used as strikeout pitch on outer half of the plate; Badly fooled a few hitters in the dirt
- Threw curveball 68-71 MPH; Used sparingly
- Lived on the outer half with the fastball all night; Did not challenge hitters ahead in the count
- Did not hold runners on well; Allowed easy double steal
- 2 wild pitches, 1 passed ball; crossed up catcher?
I watched Olmsted struggle through his worst outing of the season. I was impressed by his slider, but the rest of his arsenal left something to be desired. For a man so tall to drop down to a low 3/4 delivery has to take away from his velocity doesn't it? A couple of additional ticks on the fastball and a slider with a little more bite could land him a bullpen job in New York at some point, but I question his ability as a starter having to work through a lineup two or three times in an outing.
