Braves NRI In-Depth: Zeke Spruill

by cbwilk on Feb 8, 2012 12:41 PM EST in Braves Prospect Reviews

Zeke Spruill will look to build on his promising 2011 by starting 2012 back in AA Mississippi's rotation.

The Braves have always thought highly of Zeke Spruill's talent. They selected him in the second round of the 2008 out of high school, and he quickly showed his potential with an All-Star season for Rome in 2009. Unfortunately, he also showed his youth and immaturity, as he earned a month-long demotion to the Gulf Coast League that season for repeatedly breaking team rules. Things got worse in 2010, as he not only pitched poorly, but missed half of the season after breaking his hand punching a wall in frustration. Fortunately, Spruill turned himself around and contributed a fine 2011 season, that saw him post a 3.19 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP in 129.2 innings for High A Lynchburg, then follow that with a 3.20 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP in 45 innings with AA Mississippi. He also showed off his durability, tossing 6 complete games during the season and averaging over 6 innings per start.

Spruill's stuff is only average, a low 90s fastball paired with a changeup and a slider, but he makes the most of it with a bulldog mentality, attacking the hitters, forcing them to put the ball in play, allowing his defense to work behind him. With his immaturity issues seemingly, hopefully, behind him, Spruill was able to re-establish himself as one of Atlanta's most solid prospects, as he is easy to project either as an innings eating back of the rotation starter or a more than solid bullpen contributor.

This is his first invitation to Major League Spring Training, and while he'll begin 2012 back in Mississippi's rotation with a number of talented young pitchers ahead of him on the depth chart, Spruill can do a lot for his career by making a good impression during camp. He's likely to end up with AAA Gwinnett before the season is over, and under the right set of circumstances, he could see time on Atlanta's roster.

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Comments

Think this one will be a bullpen guy,

or included in some trade.. to replenish the hitting in our farm

"Performance comes from work and dedication, belief and strength. Words and excuses get you nowhere." -Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves Rightfielder

by jdelsandro on Feb 8, 2012 1:59 PM EST reply actions

You say his stuff his average, but isn’t his low 90’s fastball a 2 seamer and therefore his sinker? Many ML pitchers have a made a long career with a low 90’s sinker. In addition, since it induces a lot of ground balls it helps him go deep in games as he has done by keeping pitch counts low. I may be biased, but I’ve always been a fan of sinker ballers.

by BravesFan on Feb 8, 2012 5:32 PM EST reply actions

Great point. I agree and think starting pitchers of the ground ball, inning eater type can be extremely valuable and are, generally, under-appreciated.

by fandave on Feb 8, 2012 9:44 PM EST up reply actions

Hmm

Has to be trade bait. Sad really cause I like the kid

by drumzalicious on Feb 8, 2012 9:48 PM EST reply actions

I think it depends

give him this year in AA, a little taste and then next year in AAA, who knows what our needs are. Has Hudson retired? Has Hanson been traded? Jurrjens is no longer under club control, so has he been extended? Has Teheran panned out, or Delgado? Has Minor or Beachy? Has Vizcaino stuck as a starter or moved to the bullpen? Who has gotten hurt, or traded, etc?

He may end up being traded, but right now, I think he’s good emergency depth, and after the next year or two shakes out, he could be dealt if the right deal comes along, or could be in the rotation plans if someone else gets dealt/hurt/doesn’t pan out.

http://sportsandgrits.com/

by Mr. Sanchez on Feb 9, 2012 11:44 AM EST up reply actions