Michael Main – Texas Rangers RHP

H/W: 6-2 170 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/14/88

Michael Main pitched like a 1st rounder last season, combining to go 3-3 with a 2.76 ERA and 13 BB/65 K per 58.2 IP between Texas' Arizona Rookie League affiliate and full season Low-A Clinton. A nationally renowned two way player as a high schooler, Main is a very good athlete who features a 92-94 MPH fastball and high 70's power curve to strike out hitters in bunches. His changeup is a bit raw at this time and his curveball can be inconsistent at times. Main tends to be a flyball pitcher, which is a dangerous proposition when the Ballpark in Arlington is your future home. That said, he commands his fastball very well and attacks hitters with great confidence. His frame is strong for its size and should project to build some more bulk as he matures. This should help him to add stamina and, perhaps, a couple of digits to the velocity to his already plus fastball.

2009 Projection: The Rangers are overflowing with top quality arms in their farm system with Neftali Feliz, Derek Holland, Martin Perez, Blake Beavan, Kasey Kiker, and Neil Ramirez. Main fits right in the middle of that list, but his curveball and changeup need to develop more consistency or else he could find himself being developed as a power reliever. Keep an eye on this as he pitches at High-A Bakersfield this year. The California League is a difficult one for young pitchers, especially young flyball pitchers. If he can develop some more depth to his offspeed offerings, he should be able to avoid some of the attrition that seems to be awaiting him. If not, he could struggle with this promotion and find himself back at Clinton. Long term, his highly valuable arm will play in the major leagues in some capacity.

Key Michael Main Baseball Cards: