Diamond in the Rough
 7/8/2008

RP Jeff Stevens, 24 (RHP), Buffalo Bisons (Cleveland Indians)

The All-Star Break is just around the corner. We have what looks to be our first team waiving the white flag and looking toward the not so bright future. The Indians have begun the "rebuilding" process by designating Joe "Gas Can" Borowski for assignment. It now looks to be a full overhaul. I just read where C.C. Sabathia was going to the Brewers pending physicals. (Side note: If Matt LaPorta goes to the Indians, he will probably see some playing time this year.) Even if that trade doesn't go down. I still wanted to see who, if anyone, the Indians would turn to for saves in their own organization.

At the Major League level we all know about Rafael Betancourt, Masahide Kobayashi, and Rafael Perez. The Indians also know all about them and what they can do. With a full purging of their roster already started, the Indians may take a look at some of their minor league talent. Their bullpen prospects have been a source of hope, followed shortly by despair. It started with can't miss prospect Fernando Cabrera whose K rate had everyone excited; but throwing strikes tends to be a big part of pitching in relief. He is now with the Baltimore Orioles and is still young enough to develop a feeling for the strike zone, but I'm not betting on it. Next was Tony Sipp, a good pitcher, who isn't finished yet, although arm troubles have led to Tommy John surgery. Betancourt was the answer, only he didn't perform well in that role when Borowski was on the DL. Who's left? Meet Mr. Jeff Stevens.

Jeff Stevens is the "player to be named later," from the now infamous Brandon Phillips trade to Cincinnati.

Stevens was drafted in the 6th round of the 2005 draft. He was expected to be a starter early in his career, but like a lot of pitching prospects was converted into a reliever. Like most starters who get the reins thrown off them with the move to the bullpen, his fastball velocity has increased.  It's now consistently in the 92-93 MPH range, hits 95 MPH at times, and seems to get on hitters faster than that. His four-seam fastball is by no means a straight line and his changeup has a ton of movement.

Stevens K/9IP rate this year between Double-A and Triple-A of 12.2 is outstanding. Add that with his .189 BAA and it tells me guys don't get a lot of contact off him. His BB/9IP rate of 3.8 tells me his control is good enough to stick in the majors.

The Indians are pretty high on him, so don't bet against him getting a shot at the closers role. Stevens isn't going to be a Fantasy League savior this year, but if you're behind in saves in a Roto league, he very well may be able to help you out in the second half.  Deep roster Keeper and Dynasty league players will certainly want to keep tabs on him, so check back to our Triple-A stats to follow his stats. 

2007 A+ and AA (23)
6 W 3 L 2.81 ERA 49 G 0 GS 2 SV 83.1 INN 58 H 30 R 26 ER 6 HR 25 BB 102 SO 0.87 GO/AO .194 BAA

2008 AA and AAA (24)
5 W 2 L 3.40 ERA 29 G 0 GS 6 SV 45 INN 30 H 18 R 17 ER 5 HR 19 BB 61 SO 0.97 GO/AO .189 BAA

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