H/W: 6-5 200 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/27/88
Porcello's first professional season was a resounding success giving Tigers team officials a bit of relief after signing him to a $7 million MLB deal topped with a $3.5 million signing bonus. Porcello pitched the entire season at High-A Lakeland where he compiled an 8-6 record with a 2.66 ERA and an appealing 2.48 GO/FO ratio. Porcello features four MLB-quality pitches including a 92-94 MPH fastball with heavy sink and late movement. He can bump it up to the 96-97 MPH range when needed. His curve has a sharp 12-6 break and his changeup is evolving into a MLB plus pitch. What's more is that Porcello has a good idea how to use them effectively in game settings. Porcello has impeccable control, surrendering just 33 BB and 7 HR in 125 IP to advanced Florida State League hitters. His delivery is clean, balanced and technically sound which should help him to stay healthy, and his long, projectible frame shows promise of building more strength and stamina. Despite his considerable tools and attributes, it was odd to see a low strikeout rate from Porcello. He struck out just 73 hitters in 125 IP. Additionally, Porcello became quite hittable with runners on base, as his ERA jumped from 0.68 w/bases empty to 4.88 w/runners aboard. Both of these could be attested to the fact that Porcello pitched in a highly talented and advanced league at a young age. Rick Porcello is one of baseball's elite young pitchers and his future as Detroit's frontline starter will happen soon.
2009 Projection: Porcello signed a major league contract, which means that barring any unforeseen setbacks the Tigers will aggressively promote him through their system. There are several prognosticators that believe he will wear a Tigers uniform at some point in 2009. A more prudent projection would place him at AA Erie in April with a move to AAA Toledo happening at some point in the middle of the season. If all goes well, he may get some September innings with the big club and a spot in the 2010 rotation seems quite likely. Porcello's first year autographs in the 2008 Donruss Threads and Donruss Elite Extra autos are very popular on eBay right now and should grow in value as Porcello develops into the Tigers' future ace.
Key Rick Porcello Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Threads Diamond Kings Auto #/500
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/???
 2011 Allen & Ginter #194 Rick Porcello Tigers $1.00 |
 RICK PORCELLO Signed/Auto 2010 ALLEN & GINTER Card $11.99 |
 2011 Topps #597 Rick Porcello Tigers $1.00 |
 2009 Topps Heritage SP Rick Porcello Rookie BGS GEM 9.5 $29.95 |
 Rick Porcello, 2009 Upper Deck X Rookie Card # 96 $3.00 |
 2006 Topps Bowman AFLAC Rick Porcello AUTOGRAPH RC $59.99 |
 2009 SP AUTHENTIC RICK PORCELLO ROOKIE LETTER PATCH AUTO AUTOGRAPH 51/85 $16.00 |
 2011 Topps Gypsy Queen Mini #213 Rick Porcello $1.05 |
 2009 Upper Deck RICK PORCELLO RC #945 Tigers $2.50 |
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