Adams looks more like a basketball player than a baseball player. Accordingly, he first went to Texas A&M-Kingsville as a two-sport athlete on a hoops scholarship. His basketball career was derailed by a broken ankle, and he signed as a fifth-year senior before the 2001 draft. Adams uses his tall, lanky frame and the torque from his long arms to generate a low-to mid-90s fastball and a tough slider. He has reached Double-A without minor league hitters able to catch up to him. They've batted .209 against him while he has averaged 11.0 strikeouts per nine innings. Adams closed out games in Double-A last year and has the durability to work multiple-inning stints and make an occasional start. At times his mechanics get out of whack and he suffers command problems, but for the most part Adams has thrown strikes with his two primary pitches. He'll get a chance to prove himself in Triple-A this year.
Adams reached Double-A in his first full season after signing as a fifth-year college senior out of Texas A&M-Kingsville. He went to college as a two-sport athlete, but his basketball career was derailed by a broken ankle. Since turning pro, he has pitched well at each of four levels. Hitters haven't been able to make consistent contract against his 92-94 mph fastball and slider. Already 24, Adams has been older than his competition and still has to prove himself. His command slipped once he reached Huntsville, and his changeup is nothing more than a show-me pitch. But if he continues his success in Triple-A this year, he'll carve out a place for himself in the Milwaukee bullpen.
Download our app
Read the newest magazine issue right on your phone