Red Sox Arizona Fall League Preview Part 1: The Pitchers

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Oct 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A Baseball glove and ball rest on the field prior to a game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Jalen Beeks

Acquired: 2014 12th round draft choice from the University of Arkansas

DOB: 7-10-93

Ht. 5-11 Wt 195 Throws Left

Scouting Report: Something of a Robbie Ross-type build, undersized but stocky. His fastball sits at 91-93, able to dial it up to 95 at times, much like Ross. He has a two seam fastball that sits in the high 80s which can be effective against lefties. Slider is thrown in the mid 80s. Changeup and curve in his mix of pitches as well. Watching video, his arm motion reminds me of Ubaldo Jimenez, the ball held behind is torso until coming around toward the plate. Beeks has a twist in his motion which also can create deception.

Outlook: An elbow injury in his junior year caused him to fall to the 12th round. This teammate of Andrew Benintendi at Arkansas started the season at High A Salem where he posted a 3.07 ERA in 13 starts, before his promotion to AA Portland. At Portland, he logged 13 starts, posting a 4.68 ERA. He had a six start run of 10 earned runs over 33 innings spanning late June to early August. He may have run out of gas at the end of the year, allowing 13 runs in his last 19 innings (6.13 ERA).

AFL Goals Beeks is the oldest of the Red Sox prospects going to the AFL in 2016. According to soxprospects.com, Beeks is going to be used as a reliever in Arizona to gauge his value in that role. 52 of his 54 professional appearances have come out of the bullpen. The Red Sox might be looking at Beeks as a weapon like Ross (3.25 ERA in 2016) who can throw hard despite his short stature. Beeks’ unusual twisting motion might play well out of the pen and could increase his velocity if he is used only in short bursts.

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