David Filak
| IP | 147 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 6.245 |
| WHIP | 1.701 |
| BB/9 | 5.143 |
| SO/9 | 8.265 |
- Full name David Joseph Filak
- Born 11/24/1989 in Scotia, NY
- Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 220 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School SUNY Oneonta
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Drafted in the 4th round (134th overall) by the Atlanta Braves in 2010 (signed for $204,300).
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Filak has a fresh, explosive arm; he did not pitch in high school and walked on at Oneonta State as a catcher. He was quickly converted to the mound, where he led all Division III pitchers in strikeouts per nine innings (14.86) and fewest hits allowed per nine innings (5.07) as a sophomore last year. Scouts were buzzing about Filak after he ran his fastball up to 95 mph and flashed a plus-plus 83 mph spike curveball in his 2010 debut in Vero Beach, but he exited his third start of the season after just two innings because of elbow stiffness, which caused him to miss his next outing. He did not show quite as much velocity after returning to action, but he still posted a dominant season, going 8-0, 1.82 with 96 strikeouts and 16 walks through 59 innings. Filak's fastball settled in at 90-93 mph, and he still regularly flashed a plus curveball with 12-to-6 break in the 77-80 range. Filak did not learn to throw a changeup until last fall, and the pitch is a work in progress. Filak has a physical, athletic 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame, and he could still add velocity as he learns to make better use of his lower half in his delivery.
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The Braves scout the Northeast as heavily as any team, and Filak is a result of those efforts. They were delighted to get him with a fourth-round pick and a $204,300 bonus last June. He walked on as a catcher at Oneonta State (N.Y.) and quickly moved to the mound. He led NCAA Division III in strikeouts per nine innings in each of the last two seasons, with 14.9 in 2009 and 13.9 despite battling elbow stiffness in 2010. A big, physical pitcher, Filak has a low-90s fastball that touches 95 and bores in on righthanders. His low-80s spike curveball gives him a second plus pitch. He started throwing a changeup in 2009 and has made strides with the pitch. Filak is athletic and has a fresh arm, and he might add more velocity if he uses his legs more in his delivery and lengthens his stride. He possibly could have three legitimate major league pitches, and his fastball/curveball combination alone could make him an effective late-inning reliever. He'll begin his first full pro season in low Class A.
