Zachary Varce

Righthander Varce carved up the Northwoods League last summer, going 3-5, 1.93 with a league-leading 105 strikeouts and just 20 walks over 75 innings. The success carried over early in the spring with Portland, but by the end of the year he was gassed. He pitched at 90-92 mph, touching 93, at his best, but later in the year he had starts when he didn't touch 90. He's 6 feet and 190 pounds, so scouts believe his future is as a middle reliever. At his best his slider can be an above-average pitch, but not when it's down to 74 mph as it was later in the year. Scouts hope putting him in the bullpen will help him get the most out of his arm.