Steve Bechler

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #16 prospect in 2003
  Bechler completed a steady progression through the organization by making his major league debut last September. He made three appearances before pulling his hamstring as he ran to cover first against the Red Sox, which kept him from pitching again. Illustrating Bechler's bulldog mentality, he tried to pitch through the pain. Illustrating that he still has a lot to learn, Bechler gave up a grand slam to Trot Nixon. Before that, he overcame a 0-7 start at Triple-A Rochester to pitch well in the second half of the season and go 6-5, 3.21 in his last 15 starts. Bechler's fastball is 91-94 mph, and his out pitch is a solid knuckle-curve. In addition to improving his mechanics, Bechler also has matured as he has moved through the minors. He'll have to refine his command to make it in the big leagues, however. The Orioles hope he recognizes the mistakes he made in the majors and will learn from them. He'll compete for a spot in the Baltimore rotation in spring training but is more likely to return to Triple-A at the organization's new affiliate in Ottawa.
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  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #15 prospect in 2002
  Bechler finally put together results to match his promise in 2001. After three decent seasons, he was sent back to high Class A to start the year and ended up in Triple-A. Coming from a cold climate, he figured to be a level-to-level player as he got the innings necessary for him to get the most out of his strong arm. Bechler throws 91-94 mph and occasionally touches higher speeds, and he has a knuckle-curve that's one of the better breaking balls in the organization. He's built like Curt Schilling with a big body, good mechanics and a clean delivery, and he should be a middle-of-the-rotation innings eater. His improved delivery has led to better command. Bechler still isn't a finished product, and he needs to work on his changeup and maintain consistency for longer stretches. He'll go back to Rochester and should get a full season there before receiving a big league opportunity in 2003.
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  Ranked Baltimore Orioles #26 prospect in 2001
  Bechler keeps getting attention because of his arm, but he hasn't been able to translate it into results yet. He won the Bob Feller pitching award at the 1997 American Legion World Series for the most strikeouts in tournament play, and he nearly took his Medford, Ore., team to the Legion title. Medford had to beat Sanford, Fla., twice to win the title, and Bechler went the distance (seven innings) for the win in the first game. He started the second game later that day and gave up four runs in four innings, but Sanford--led by Tim Raines Jr.'s two home runs--rallied to win after he came out. His minor league career has been a mix of dominant stretches and struggles. He has three above-average pitches but too often has below-average results. He throws comfortably in the low 90s and can reach 95 mph with his fastball, and he throws a knuckle-curve as his breaking pitch. His changeup also is a plus pitch when it's on. But Bechler fights his mechanics and his command, and he sometimes loses his composure on the mound. He'll take the next step to Bowie this year.