Chris Leroux

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Miami Marlins #18 prospect in 2010
  Given a couple of shots at the big leagues in 2009, Leroux failed to generate results reflective of the quality of his stuff. That won't keep the Marlins from giving him additional chances, as they still see him as a late-inning piece for their bullpen. A converted catcher who overused his curveball at Winthrop and had Tommy John surgery shortly before the 2005 draft, Leroux went in the seventh round though he wouldn't be able to pitch for nearly a year. A member of Canada's World Baseball Classic club, Leroux can get his fastball to 94-96 mph, but it tends to flatten out when he tries to overthrow. He has ditched his curve and concentrated on a tight slider, which he throws at 87-88 mph. He has lowered his ERA and his walk rate in each of his four pro seasons, though he looked tentative in his brief big league exposure. Leroux has struggled to close games and a set-up role may work best for him in the short term. He could make a revamped Florida bullpen with a strong spring.
• 
  Ranked Miami Marlins #16 prospect in 2009
  A former catcher with a strong frame, Leroux converted to the mound at Winthrop and terrorized college hitters with a big-breaking curveball. Unfortunately, he threw it so much that some blame it for him blowing out his elbow and requiring Tommy John surgery two months before the 2005 draft. The Marlins weren't deterred, selecting him in the seventh round, signing him for $152,000 and letting him focus on his rehab. He didn't make his pro debut until mid-2006, and he has held up well since. Florida didn't let Leroux pitch on consecutive days at all in 2007, but there were no such restrictions last year. The Marlins have taken away his curveball and given him a slider instead, and he throws a tight one at 87-88 mph. He also boasts a fastball that ranges from 92-96 mph. He shows good mound presence and makeup, and he profiles as a possible closer. A member of Canada's World Cup team in 2007, Leroux should move up to Double-A in 2009 after being added to the 40-man roster in November.
• 
  Ranked Miami Marlins #19 prospect in 2008
  You've heard of the Joba Rules, of course, but did you know about the Leroux Doctrine? In 2007, his first full healthy pro season, the Marlins mandated two days of rest for Leroux after each of his two-inning stints. The hulking Canadian never threw back-to-back outings as Florida did all it could to protect his intriguing young arm. A former catcher, he converted to the mound at Winthrop and showed a big-breaking curveball. Unfortunately, he threw it so much some believe that led directly to his Tommy John surgery two months before the 2005 draft. The Marlins weren't deterred, making him their 12th pick (seventh round) in their pitching-heavy harvest. He signed for $152,000, and they let him rehab fully before making his pro debut midway through 2006. The Marlins made sure to take away that overwrought curve and give him a tight slider instead, which he throws at 84-86 mph. Leroux also boasts a 91-94 mph fastball that touches 96. He profiles as a future closer, though the Marlins will be careful to move him along slowly, likely in a setup role this year in high Class A. He joined the Canadian national team for the World Cup in Taiwan, pitching a perfect inning in his lone appearance.