The Book on Tony Butler

Prospect Info

---

Tony Butler
Born 11/18/1987
LHP, BAL

Another of many development projects undertaken by the Seattle Mariners, Butler was been an on-again/off-again hot prospect since he was drafted by the Ms in the 3rd round (81st overall) of the 2006 draft. Traded to the Orioles as part of the package that brought Erik Bedard to Seattle in 2008, Butler's chance to break into the starting rotation will now happen in Baltimore Orange.

Butler's fastball can reach 93mph (and it's getting faster as he grows into his body), and has a natural sinking action that leads to high ground-ball production. His other pitches (a reasonably good slider/curve and a developing change) need work, though, and various mechanical issues have plagued his development. He's likely to spend 2008 on the farm addressing those issues. If the O's can help him overcome those hitches and refine his control (almost 6 walks per game in 2007), he'll be a contender for a fifth-starter spot in 2008, though it might be better for the Orioles if they continue to season and develop him so that he can reach his potential as a number-two or -three starter a year or two later.

---

Player Updates and Notes

Tony Butler is bound for Baltimore, as the slow-moving trade for Erik Bedard finally arrived today. His stock rises a tick, since the thinner nature of the Baltimore system means he's now got fewer guys ahead of him in line.

2/8/2008 by KDaddy

---

 

Back to List