The Golden Sombrero’s Top 50 Prospects: #33 – Kyle Drabek (Video)

#33 Kyle Drabek – Toronto Blue Jays

RHP

DOB: 12-8-87

ETA: 2011

As the centerpiece of the deal that sent Roy Halladay to Philadelphia over a season ago, Kyle Drabek oozes potential.  With one of the best breakers in the Minors, he has a chance at 3 plus pitches.  His four-seamer can reach 95, and with the addition of a plus cutter, Drabek now has 3 solid fastball variations.  With three Major League starts to his name, it would be surprising if Drabek is not in Toronto by the middle of the summer, especially given the unfortunate departure of ace Shaun Marcum.  However, The Blue Jays do not figure to ever challenge for a playoff berth since they play in the AL East, so there is no reason to hurry Drabek’s development.

If he builds on his solid 2010 Double-A numbers (2.94 ERA; 162 IP, 132:68 K:BB), he should prove to the Jays that he is ready for the Bigs.  While Drabek has little to prove in the Minors anymore, he has no Triple-A experience and likely needs more work on his changeup.  The 23-year old righty is often criticized for lacking size and fastball life, but an aggressive approach and great genes provide him with true ace potential and a chance to be Toronto’s #1 within the next three seasons.