Vince Perkins

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Toronto Blue Jays #10 prospect in 2006
  Perkins was a Little League and high school teammate of Rich Harden while growing up in Victoria, British Columbia. Perkins reached Double- A in 2005, though he missed time with a strained ribcage after having back and elbow injuries in 2004. Perkins' power arm rivals any in the system. The action on Perkins' heavy 93-96 mph sinking fastball has been likened to a bowling ball, and it's a true out pitch. He throws two average secondary pitches: a hard 86-87 mph slider and a developing changeup. He gets high marks for his mound presence and makeup. Pitch efficiency never has been Perkins' strong suit because he struggles with his command. Despite having a prototypical pitcher's frame, he doesn't have ideal mechanics. He often throws across his body and his shoulder flies open when he uses his slider. He needs to slow the pace of his delivery and repeat his motion. Command is often the last thing to come for power pitchers, and the Blue Jays are optimistic Perkins will figure it out. If not, he could have a bright future in the bullpen. His spring-training performance will determine if he's ready for Triple-A.
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  Ranked Toronto Blue Jays #13 prospect in 2005
  After vaulting to No. 8 on this list a year ago on the heels of his breakthrough 2003 season, Perkins was slowed by injuries in 2004. A back injury forced him to miss most of May and June, and he hurt his elbow six starts after he returned, costing him another six weeks. When he's right, Perkins' stuff is second only to Dustin McGowan's in the system. He can run his fastball up to 94-97 mph with good movement, but he needs to improve his command. He complements his plus velocity with a good changeup and improving power slider in the upper 80s. The slider has nice tilt and has potential as a strikeout pitch. Perkins' arm appears to be sound, as he topped out at 95 mph in instructional league. As long as he doesn't have another setback, he'll start 2005 in the Double-A rotation. He has the repertoire to be a quality starter in the majors, though some scouts say his aggressive delivery and workhorse build are better suited for late-inning relief.
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  Ranked Toronto Blue Jays #8 prospect in 2004
  Perkins isn't as athletic or polished as other recent British Columbia exports such as Athletics righty Rich Harden, his former Little League and high school teammate. However, Perkins broke out in 2003 by ranking among the minor league leaders in ERA (2.24) and opponent average (.179). Perkins has a big frame and big stuff. His fastball ranks right with those of McGowan, Brandon League and reliever Adam Peterson for pure velocity. He throws it in the 92-95 mph range and touches some 96s and 97s. His power slider sits at 87-89 and scrapes the low 90s. When he's on, minor league hitters don't touch him. Perkins isn't a graceful athlete. That makes it harder for him to repeat his delivery, the root of his control troubles. He has progressed making his delivery less mechanical and more fluid, but it doesn't come easy to him. His changeup is just fair. Perkins has as much upside as any starter the Jays have besides McGowan and Rosario. If he harnesses his control, he'll be a middle-of-the-rotation power starter who eats innings.