In 2008 the South Atlantic League (SAL) was swept away by 19 year old Madison Bumgarner. The lefthander compiled a line of:
141 IP 10.4 K/9 7.81 K/BB 1.46 ERA 0.93 WHIP
Bumgarner certainly has the stats, but does he have the stuff to go with it?
The Giants prospect has a big time fastball that sits in the mid 90's and can touch 97-98 with good life and pinpoint control. His other two pitches, curveball and changeup, lag far behind his fastball in movement, control, and development, grading as somewhat fringey pitches.
Bumgarner was able to dominate with only his fastball this year as evidenced by his extremely high K/BB ratio. He should be able to get by in the upper levels of the minors however he is going to need to develop stronger secondary offerings if he wants to make it in the majors.
Madison Bumgarner is only 19 and has plenty of time to work on his secondary offerings, however, if they do not develop then his usage in the majors may be limited to relief work.
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