Tim Bittner

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #26 prospect in 2005
  The least-known player in the 2003 Scott Schoeneweis trade with the White Sox, Bittner made an immediate impression with his new organization, returning to the rotation and going 5-0, 0.26 in six high Class A starts. A two-way star at Marist and the highest-drafted player in school history, he took a regular turn in the Double-A rotation last year before being shut down with back pain in August. Bittner's fastball command is his greatest asset. He works to both sides of the plate and knows how to set up hitters. In terms of velocity, his fastball is slightly below average at 87-90 mph. He throws two breaking balls, a tight 80- 83 mph slider that has the potential to be a plus pitch and a sweeping curveball that's effective against lefties. He's making progress with his changeup and needs to do a better job of throwing strikes with his secondary pitches. His back was healthy during the offseason, and the Angels plan on sending him back to Double-A. His ultimate role has yet to be defined.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #21 prospect in 2004
  A two-way star at Marist, Bittner became the highest-drafted player in school history when the White Sox selected him in the 10th round in 2001. He nearly won the Rookie-level Appalachian League ERA title in his pro debut, but he fell five innings short of qualifying. The least-known of the five players in the Scott Schoeneweis trade with Chicago last July, Bittner jump-started his career afterward with a scintillating six-start run in high Class A. The White Sox had moved him to the bullpen, but Angels scout Mark Russo recommended that he return to the rotation. Bittner didn't give up an earned run in his first five starts in his new organization and went 5-0, 0.28 in August. He shows a plus fastball at times but typically sits in the 88-90 mph range. He spins a solid slider and mixes in a below-average curveball and average changeup, all from a three-quarters slot with a good arm action and delivery. He already has exceeded expectations and will move to Double-A this year.