{"id":4965,"date":"2011-09-27T13:15:43","date_gmt":"2011-09-27T18:15:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thegoldensombrero.com\/wordpress\/?p=4965"},"modified":"2011-09-27T14:03:16","modified_gmt":"2011-09-27T19:03:16","slug":"happy-jarrod-parker-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/thegoldensombrero.com\/wordpress\/archives\/4965","title":{"rendered":"Happy Jarrod Parker Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

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2011 has been a monumental year for MLB prospects.\u00a0 This season we have seen an inordinate amount of top-ranked prospects make their Major League Debuts, most of which have been celebrated here at the Sombrero.<\/p>\n

On June 10 we celebrated\u00a0Mike Moustakas Day<\/a>; June 17:\u00a0Dustin Ackley Day<\/a>; July 8:\u00a0Mike Trout Day<\/a>; July 22:\u00a0Jason Kipnis Day<\/a>; August 5:\u00a0Brett Lawrie Day<\/a>; and most recently, Matt Moore Day<\/a> on September 12.<\/p>\n

Today we celebrate the debut of The Golden Sombrero\u2019s No. 8 prospect<\/a>, RHP Jarrod Parker<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in first round (9th<\/sup> overall) of the 2007 draft, Parker validated his draft position by going 12-5 with a 3.44 ERA and 117\/33 K\/BB ratio over 118 inning for South Bend in 2008.\u00a0 He began the following season with High-A Visalia before earning a quick promotion to Double-A Mobile where he recorded a 0.95 ERA over four starts.<\/p>\n

However, the 6-foot-1 right-hander was plagued by elbow problems and Tommy John surgery prematurely ended his season, while the subsequent rehabilitation forced him to miss the entire 2010 season.<\/p>\n

With a brand new elbow, the 22-year-old has stayed healthy this season, and his numbers reflect such: 11-8 with a 3.79 ERA and 112\/55 K\/BB in 131 innings.<\/p>\n

Parker\u2019s fastball sits in the low- to mid-90s, and he has touched 96-97 mph on occasion.\u00a0 His slider, which was graded a plus pitch and served as his out pitch prior to surgery, remains a plus despite the fact that he\u2019s thrown it considerably less.\u00a0 In it\u2019s place, the Indiana native has shown an improved changeup \u2013 many consider it to be a plus now, too \u2013 and he also flashed a solid curveball.<\/p>\n

With four above average pitches and mechanics that make pitching coaches uncontrollably drool, Parker figures to become a front-end starter (likely a two or three) for the Diamondbacks within the next couple years.<\/p>\n

Parker\u2019s debut tonight against the Los Angeles Dodgers will be fans first taste of the highly regarded prospect, as he hopefully makes his case to be part of the D-backs’ 2012 starting rotation.<\/p>\n