The Golden Sombrero’s Top 50 Prospects: #35 – Jake Odorizzi (Video)

#35 Jake Odorizzi – Kansas City Royals

RHP

DOB: 3-27-90

ETA: 2013

Jake Odorizzi’s name was leaked to the world when he was moved along with some other young Milwaukee Brewers players for Zack Greinke.  But to scouts and other prospect hunters, Odorizzi was no secret.  As quite possibly the greatest player in the history of Illinois prep baseball, Odorizzi had a terrific season in the Midwest League (Single-A) in 2010 where he posted a 3.43 ERA in 120.2 innings, striking out 135 while only issuing 40 free passes.

The 6’2” righty boasts a fastball that consistently reaches 95 mph with a power curve capable of missing bats.  Like all Minor League pitchers not named Jeremy Hellickson,  Odorizzi’s third pitch has a ways to go still.  He uses a changeup that is not a 50 grade yet and may never be.  However it is improving and never has to be average so long as his fastball and breaker continue to be plus or better.  With a little more refinement, it is no stretch to envision Odorizzi sliding nicely into a two slot in the Bigs when he reaches his prime.  In his current organization, he might never be more than a 4, but the Royals have an unusually high concentration of talented young arms.