The Yakker

The Twinkies got a steal in Gibson

Major leagues teams are short-sighted.

Major league teams seem to forget about the benefits of modern medicine.

A handful of major league teams will regret they didn’t draft University of Missouri pitcher Kyle Gibson.

I’ll be the first to admit that the depth of my knowledge of the college game is akin to the kiddie pool, but given how touted Gibson was heading into the draft, it seems like an incredible pick for a Twins franchise always overflowing with pitching talent. Prior to an MRI turning up a broken bone in his right forearm, Baseball America ranked him as the fourth best prospect in the draft and made certain they were clear about his significant upside.

BA also pointed out that this is the third time in four years that a U of Missouri pitcher was drafted in the first round (Diamondbacks’ Max Scherzer in 2006 and Aaron Crow in 2008) and they go on to claim it is Gibson who has the greatest upside of the three. The scouting report also calls out the fact that two of his secondary pitches (a sharp 85 mph slider and deceptive fading changeup)  are two of the very best in the entire draft class. If that isn’t enough reason he should’ve gone earlier, consider his easy smooth pitching motion and the fact he throws on a downhill plane–two characteristics scouts drool over in pitching prospects.

Gibson’s agent to be (Randy Rowley) urged his client to distribute copies of the MRI report to calm the rampant reports that the injury would result in Tommy John surgery. Gibson wanted to alleviate concerns and reiterate his determination to succeed at the major league level.

“His character is off the charts,” Missouri coach Tim Jamieson told the Indy Star.  “His work ethic is off the charts. His athleticism is off the charts. He had the package.”The thing that made the difference for him was his willingness to do those things to get stronger, to get better. The only way that happens is through hard work.”

It’s clear that his work ethic combined with him being in one of the best franchise when it comes to pitching development will result in someone fantasy owners will want to pay attention to in coming years.