Joshua Fields – Seattle Mariners RHP

H/W: 6-0 180 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/19/85

It took a while, but the M's finally signed their 1st round selection from the 2008 draft, Pitcher Joshua Fields. Last season, Fields made a strong case to the baseball world that he was the most dominant closer in college baseball earning 18 saves and striking out 63 hitters in just 37.1 IP for the Georgia Bulldogs en route to a trip to the College World Series. Fields has two dominating pitches, a 94-96 MPH heater and a devastating 12-6 curveball that could be the best in all of baseball very soon. Fields has the demeanor of a closer, he attacks hitters with his plus stuff and works quickly. He is loose-limbed and shows the durability to throw on back to back days. While his curve is nearly unhittable, his fastball is too straight and Fields has shown an inability to command it lower in the strike zone. Against the quick bats of the American League, this could be a major problem late in games, increasing his proneness to give up the gofer ball. Aside from that fact, Fields was widely regarded as the top closer in the '08 draft and one that is close to being MLB ready. In an organization like Seattle's that is welcome news.

2009 Projection: Don't be surprised to see the M's push Fields quickly. He could start at High-A High Desert or AA West Tennessee, but wherever he is, he is sure to move quickly. Last year, Fields averaged an insane 15.3 K's per 9 innings. While that trend is surely going to diminish somewhat, he should be able to average more than one per inning at each of his minor league stops. Watch the walk totals though, as Fields has been unable to average less than 5 walks per 9 innings in either of his collegiate seasons. Surrendering walks and being a flyball pitcher could prove disastrous down the road for this otherwise bright young closer. The M's don't have a surefire closer at this time as J.J. Putz now pitches on the East Coast. If no one steps forward this season, there could be a chance for Fields to do so at the end of the 2009 season.

Key Joshua Fields Baseball Cards: