Josh Fields

by Chin Music on Apr 26, 2008 11:27 AM EDT Comment 3 comments

I'm sure there are a few posters on here that follow SEC baseball and U. of Ga in particular, so you know of whom I speak. I watched UGA's closer, Josh Fields, for the first time last night against Florida. I don't get much UGA baseball here in south Florida, so it was a real treat. I know the Bravos drafted him last year, but because of some control issues, he decided to forego a big $ signing bonus and return to college. I hope he ends up a Brave. He absolutely mowed down 5 Gators in a row on strikeouts. In the bottom of the 8th, he inhereted a bases loaded, one -out pickle and absolutely blew his fastball by everyone. He drops in a nasty curve (a real Uncle Charlie) just to make his opposition look JV. The kid was and has been filthy. Nasty. Wicked. i think he has not allowed an earned run in almost 20 innings.

Any thoughts on how soon he will begin closing in the bigs once he gets here? Is he ready now? What pitch in his reportoire does he need to develop to succeed?

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Command’s the question. His season line is 22.1 IP, 0.00 ERA, 16.9 K/9IP, .068 BAA, and 4.4 BB/9IP. The only reason that latter number isn’t biting him is the fact he’s given up 5 hits and a .167 BABIP. He obviously going to be hit more in the big leagues; it’s not like his stuff is completely shutdown dominant. The question is whether he can walk fewer batters and maintain a 0.72 WHIP because if his BABIP rises 100 points his WHIP is going to shoot up (obviously).

Still though, nasty stuff and definitely tempting for a contendor who might need bullpen help in September. He’ll be long gone by the time the Braves pick.

by 17843 on Apr 26, 2008 11:42 AM EDT reply actions

this has been a really good year for closers in the sec

weatherford at state is also doing incredible. he’s been amazing with a 0.00 era in 20 innings pitched with 5 walks,40ks, and guys hitting .063 against him. not to menton, he’s got a sick breaking ball and throws in the mid 90s. bittle, at ole miss, is another closer that’s had a great year. i expect those 2 to be for sure 1st round picks.

by KurtRambis4 on Apr 26, 2008 2:16 PM EDT reply actions

Well at this point I believe we would have to draft him again to land him because of the new draft rules. I don’t believe there are anymore draft and follows and now there is an August or September deadline for signing drafted players.

by yondaime4 on Apr 27, 2008 11:45 AM EDT reply actions