IP 143
ERA 3.587
WHIP 1.385
BB/9 2.266
SO/9 5.853
  • Full name Joseph C Bircher
  • Born 03/27/1990 in Omaha, NE
  • Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 220 / Bats: L / Throws: L
  • School Bradley
  • Drafted in the 10th round (309th overall) by the Houston Astros in 2012 (signed for $20,000).
    View Draft Report
    It's unlikely that the Cape Cod League ever has had a strikeout leader with less fastball than Bircher. He fanned 48 in 44 innings last summer--and also finished second in the ERA race at 1.44--while working at 84-86 mph and topping out at 88. He arrived at Bradley throwing 78-81 mph and leaves four years later as the school's all-time strikeout king with 302, including 113 in 110 innings in 2012. The key to the 6-foot-4, 220-pounder's success is his fading changeup, which makes his fastball look like it's arriving in the low 90s. Though scouts aren't enamored with his athleticism or delivery, he's able to locate his entire four-pitch repertoire wherever he wants it. His curveball and slider are fringy but play up because of his ability to command them.

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