Jason Stoffel
| IP | 468 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 3.615 |
| WHIP | 1.329 |
| BB/9 | 3.865 |
| SO/9 | 9.673 |
- Full name Jason Anthony Stoffel
- Born 09/15/1988 in Tarzana, CA
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 230 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Arizona
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Drafted in the 4th round (117th overall) by the San Francisco Giants in 2009 (signed for $254,700).
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The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Stoffel looked like a no-doubt first-rounder entering the season, and while he still flashes a fastball that sits 93-95 mph and a slider that can be unhittable, he has been inconsistent. His fastball and slider have straightened out and lost a few ticks at times this season, and his numbers this season aren't those of a dominant reliever. But Stoffel became Arizona's career saves leader this season with 26 and counting, passing Mark Melancon. Scouts who have seen him good put Stoffel in the same class as Arizona's first-round pitchers from last season, Ryan Perry and Daniel Schlereth. He's a fierce competitor but falls into the trap of many relievers in pitching to the situation. He pitches better in close games, and can lose focus when he comes in with a cushion. Some question Stoffel's decision to pass on pitching in the Cape Cod League or for Team USA the past two summers.
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The Giants hoped to see a little more polish from Stoffel, who was Arizona's all-time saves leader and served as closer in a Wildcats bullpen that included Ryan Perry and Daniel Schlereth, a pair of first-rounders from the 2008 draft. Stoffel recorded 25 saves in 29 chances in high Class A, but had trouble controlling his tempo and ran into control problems when he'd overthrow, causing him to get underneath the ball. Stoffel ended the year with a huge positive, though, when he threw three scoreless innings in a deciding Game Five in the California League playoffs as San Jose won an 11-inning thriller at Rancho Cucamonga. Stoffel struck out the final hitter with the tying run at third base--his eighth strikeout in 20 batters faced during the postseason. Stoffel throws his fastball at 88-93 mph, at times reaching the mid-90s, and has a true power slider that can sits in upper 70s and touches 80 mph. He can turn it into a hard slurve at times. He worked on a changeup on the side but didn't have the confidence to use it in games. His future depends on his ability to locate his fastball down and to both sides of the plate--something he's shown the ability to do when he's composed on the mound. -
Though Arizona's 2008 bullpen included Ryan Perry and Daniel Schlereth, who would go in the first round of that draft and reached the majors less than a year later, it was Stoffel who served as the Wildcats' closer. Pegged to go in the first round as well in 2009, Stoffel saw his stock fall after an inconsistent junior season. The Giants believe they got a steal when they snagged him in the fourth round for $254,700. Stoffel overwhelmed hitters in his pro debut, going right after them with a 92-93 mph fastball that touches 95 and a plus slider with plenty of tilt. He also has a changeup but wasn't compelled to throw it much. Stoffel is a quick worker who doesn't like hitters to get comfortable in the box. He repeats his high three-quarters delivery well and issued just one walk in 19 pro innings. He maintains his stuff when asked to pitch on consecutive days. Stoffel is the best college closer to enter the system since former first-rounder David Aardsma, who was pushed through the minors but didn't learn to succeed until he'd passed through four organizations. Stoffel, who has better stuff, should move quickly as well. It would be no surprise if he ascends to Double-A by the end of 2010 and reaches San Francisco by the middle of the next season.
