Prospects get the Call: Anthony Ranaudo

Anthony Ranaudo will make his first big league start on Friday, filling the void in the rotation left with the John Lackey trade. He was skyrocketed up prospect ranks last season thanks to a 2.96 ERA over two levels and a WHIP of 1.136. This season, he has flown under the radar somewhat, but has had every bit as impressive season.

In 21 starts with Triple-A Pawtucket, Ranaudo has an ERA of just 2.41 and a record of 12-4 and allowing just a single home run every 18 innings.

At the site I previously wrote for, I expressed my concerns with Ranaudo in feeling he was a bit overrated with some people projecting him to be a solid number two starter, as I felt he would probably be a good number four or five starter. I have changed my tune some, but not all the way.

His fastball can sit as high as 96 MPH and his curve flashes plus, but his change still needs to really improve. His high ¾ slot helps ensure there is sink and run on his fastball, but his stride seems to prevent him from utilizing his 6’7” frame to its fullest capacity.

He shows good control on his fastball and change, but leaves the change up in the zone too often. If he can turn his change into even an average pitch, he can be a very good starter. If the change doesn’t come around, I don’t feel his other two pitches are enough to make him a long term success in the rotation.

While I don’t believe he will ever be a number two starter, I am starting to buy into him becoming a solid number three. He has showed signs of improvement on the change, and he has shown he has thick enough skin to take his lumps. He gave up a home run in the Double-A All-Star game last year, then on national TV game up a bomb to fellow Red Sox Xander Bogaerts in the Futures Game. Many pitchers confidence would waiver after struggling in two showcase events, but he continued to pitch well and looked even better after those games.