- Full name Gene Stechschulte
- Born 08/12/1973 in Lima, OH
- Profile Ht.: 6'5" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- Debut 04/20/2000
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
Stechschulte wasn't drafted out of Ashland (Ohio) University, where he spent most of his career as a first baseman. He hadn't pitched for several years when the Cardinals signed him, and worked in middle relief in his first season in the short-season New York-Penn League. By 1999, he was a Double-A all-star. Biceps tendinitis ended that season early, but he showed no signs of the trouble in 2000. A nondrafted free agent pitcher works his way into an organization's plans by throwing hard and getting people out. Stechsculte has a plus fastball that can reach the mid-90s and a good slider. More important, he has the makeup for late-inning work. He has pitched out of the bullpen throughout his career, and he knows the role and how to prepare. Stechschulte is strictly a two-pitch pitcher, but because his role in the organization is so clearly defined, that's not as much of a concern. He pitched two tentatively in the majors in 2000, repeatedly falling behind in the count and allowing six homers in 26 innings. Against the odds, Stechschulte is ready to compete for a spot in the big league bullpen. He has closer stuff if he can get big league hitters out consistently.