Class: RS Junior
Hometown: Gaithersburg, Maryland
Height/Weight: 6-3/220
Born: September 7, 1990
After two seasons spent pitching in relief, Brady was finally ready to take the step into the starting rotation in 2011. Unfortunately, the Maryland native suffered an arm injury that limited him to a mere 23.1 innings the entire season.
However, he’s finally returned to the mound and has shown ability that solidifies his status as a two-time draftee (2009-Baltimore, 2011-Cleveland). At his best, Brady can fire 94 mile per hour fastballs, and complements the pitch with a slider he picked up within the past year. He ditched his curveball in favor of the slider and it’s already a more impressive pitch. His changeup has made great strides since the O’s tabbed him as a hometown pick in the 44th-round three years ago.
Despite a losing record, Brady has been Clemson’s best starting pitcher. He paces the staff in strikeouts and opponent’s batting average, and his 2.98 ERA is one of the top numbers in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
He showed considerable grit a few weeks ago, going toe-to-toe with Marcus Stroman, arguably the best pitcher from the collegiate ranks, and coming out on top, leading the Tigers to a 4-1 victory.
Brady’s control has definitely been an issue this year. He’s walked 19 batters in 45.1 innings and plunked five others. He’s also thrown five wild pitches, tops on the squad. It’s really hard to blame him, though, considering he had thrown less than 65 innings in three seasons coming into 2012.
If he can finish strong, there’s no reason Brady can’t top his 17th-round selection from last season. If he can continue to bring along his slider and show more control of his fastball, he could find himself in discussion for a day-one pick.
Fastball: 89-94 mph
Slider: 78-83 mph
Changeup: 76-81 mph
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