Prospect Profile: Jake McGee SP Tampa Rays
-Dexter Sports
1:25 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
Proper Name: Jacob D. McGee
Born: Aug. 6, 1986 in Sparks, Nev.
High School: Reed HS, Sparks, Nev.
Ht.: 6-3 Wt.: 190
Bats: L Throws: L
For the Rays, pitching depth in the organization goes beyond David Price. Hurlers, such as Jake McGee are proving that this organization has turned the corner. It has been a long road, but success has finally become a reality for the other team in the sunshine state. For Mcgee, the story is the same as every prospect. He is hoping to make the jump to the next level.
Drafted out of High School in the 5th round of the 2004 Draft, McGee has developed pretty quickly. In 2006, after not getting off to the start the organization hoped him too, McGee led all of the Midwest league in strike outs. He piled up 171 in just 134 innings. Last year, he followed up that performance with 175 strikeouts in 140 innings between Hi A Vero Beach and AA Montgomery. That ranked fourth in all of the minor leagues.
Considered a power pitcher, McGee brings a 93-98 MPH fastball that seems nearly impossible to hit. That same fastball was rated the best in the Florida State League by the managers in 2007. His slider is also considered a top pitch. It has developed into a definitive pitch against lefties. McGee also throws a changeup that has continued to develop since the start of his professional career.
For the Rays, it will be a tough decision in the future on whether McGee projects better as a number two starter type or a power reliever. As most situations, McGee is starting so far in his career, but with a dominant fastball and a completely developed changeup, McGee could be a great setup type pitcher. He has also dominated lefties in the past (2007) at an amazing .147 clip.
With the trade deadline approaching and the Rays in contention, McGee could be a good bargaining prospect. He is the second best pitcher in the Rays system that hasn't made it to the major leagues.
ETA and Predictions: With Troy Percival not being a long time option and Al Reyes' contract expiring at the end of the season, it is possible that we could see McGee make the team out of spring training in 09 as a reliever. Gary Glover, Grant Belfour, Trevor Miller and J.P Howell are all under one year deals. The same is true with starters Matt Garza and Edwin Jackson. Being a small market team means that most likely, McGee will be in a Rays uniform by 2009.
McGee is currently pitching for AA Montgomery.
1:25 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
Proper Name: Jacob D. McGee
Born: Aug. 6, 1986 in Sparks, Nev.
High School: Reed HS, Sparks, Nev.
Ht.: 6-3 Wt.: 190
Bats: L Throws: L
For the Rays, pitching depth in the organization goes beyond David Price. Hurlers, such as Jake McGee are proving that this organization has turned the corner. It has been a long road, but success has finally become a reality for the other team in the sunshine state. For Mcgee, the story is the same as every prospect. He is hoping to make the jump to the next level.
Drafted out of High School in the 5th round of the 2004 Draft, McGee has developed pretty quickly. In 2006, after not getting off to the start the organization hoped him too, McGee led all of the Midwest league in strike outs. He piled up 171 in just 134 innings. Last year, he followed up that performance with 175 strikeouts in 140 innings between Hi A Vero Beach and AA Montgomery. That ranked fourth in all of the minor leagues.
Considered a power pitcher, McGee brings a 93-98 MPH fastball that seems nearly impossible to hit. That same fastball was rated the best in the Florida State League by the managers in 2007. His slider is also considered a top pitch. It has developed into a definitive pitch against lefties. McGee also throws a changeup that has continued to develop since the start of his professional career.
For the Rays, it will be a tough decision in the future on whether McGee projects better as a number two starter type or a power reliever. As most situations, McGee is starting so far in his career, but with a dominant fastball and a completely developed changeup, McGee could be a great setup type pitcher. He has also dominated lefties in the past (2007) at an amazing .147 clip.
With the trade deadline approaching and the Rays in contention, McGee could be a good bargaining prospect. He is the second best pitcher in the Rays system that hasn't made it to the major leagues.
ETA and Predictions: With Troy Percival not being a long time option and Al Reyes' contract expiring at the end of the season, it is possible that we could see McGee make the team out of spring training in 09 as a reliever. Gary Glover, Grant Belfour, Trevor Miller and J.P Howell are all under one year deals. The same is true with starters Matt Garza and Edwin Jackson. Being a small market team means that most likely, McGee will be in a Rays uniform by 2009.
McGee is currently pitching for AA Montgomery.
