Michael Felix Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Michael Raymond Felix
Born 08/13/1985 in Syosset, NY
Profile Ht.: 5'11" / Wt.: 206 / Bats: L / Throws: L
School Troy
Drafted in the 2nd round (48th overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2006 (signed for $725,000).

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Following a disappointing stint at Auburn, Felix transferred to Troy and split time between the outfield and the mound. He came on strong this spring, pitching in relief and flashing a fastball up to 93 mph and a plus breaking ball. Felix has drawn comparisons to Mike Hampton for his athletic frame. His arm works well from a high three-quarters slot, which enables him to get good downward break on his curveball. He will throw his curveball in any count, and it's a swing and miss pitch with nasty late break. He pitches at 89 mph and showed good command of all of his pitches this season, though in the past he struggled to throw strikes. This season he began mixing his pitches and changing speed off his fastball, which elevated his stock. He shows an adequate changeup. His ceiling is that of a set-up man, and as long as he can continue to throw strikes Felix figures to fill a role as a reliable reliever.

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After barely playing as a sophomore at Auburn, Felix transferred to Troy at the urging of high school teammate Jared Keel. Felix starred as a two-way player for the Trojans in 2006, and the Pirates jumped on him in the second round of the draft and signed him for $725,000. Pittsburgh also landed Keel in the 31st round and sent them both to short-season Williamsport. Felix has a big-breaking curveball that is tough on lefthanders, though they batted .379 against him in his pro debut. At times, his fastball will reach as high as 93 mph. He's a good athlete, drawing comparisons to Mike Hampton for his hitting and fielding ability. Except for the curveball, the rest of Felix's arsenal is nondescript. His fastball usually sits around 88 mph and his changeup is below-average. He's inconsistent with his control and command, regressing after making progess at Troy during the spring. Felix will open his first full season as a starter in low Class A. If he can't improve his command and his changeup, his ceiling will be limited to being a setup man. With his curveball alone, he should be able to become at least a lefty specialist.