Chris Resop

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #24 prospect in 2007
  The Angels acquired Resop from the Marlins in November in exchange for reliever Kevin Gregg. Resop spent much of last year shuttling between Florida and Triple-A Albuquerque, which partially explains his uneven showing in the majors. While he pounded the strike zone in the minors, Resop pitched too carefully on the big stage instead of trusting his 92- 95 mph fastball and underutilized curve. Still, he was one of many relievers to get a crack at setting up for Marlins veteran closer Joe Borowski, and the experience should prove valuable. Armed with a big frame and a bulldog attitude, Resop has only been on the mound since July 2003, when he converted from the outfield at the urging of former Marlins farm director Marc DelPiano. Resop hit a combined .193 with one homer in 269 at-bats over his first three pro seasons. He'll head to spring training with a chance to win a role in the Los Angeles bullpen, though the competition will be stiffer than it would have been in Florida.
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  Ranked Miami Marlins #23 prospect in 2006
  It took Resop less than two years to reach the majors after making the conversion from outfield in July 2003. Former farm director Marc DelPiano saved a career that was going nowhere at the plate, where Resop hit .193 with just one homer in 269 at-bats over three pro seasons. He showed a bulldog attitude in his first taste of the majors, but he wasn't able to work his way into many pressure situations as the club futilely chased a wild-card spot. With a fastball that sits at 92-95 mph and tops out at 97, Resop will get every opportunity to make the front end of a revamped Marlins bullpen in 2006. He has the makings of a plus curveball but hasn't used it enough. He has shown a liking for the closer's role in the past and could work his way into a prominent role under new manager Joe Girardi, but first Resop must prove he belongs in the majors. Being more aggressive and throwing more strikes, which weren't problems in the minors, would be a step in the right direction.
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  Ranked Miami Marlins #20 prospect in 2005
  In his first full professional season on the mound, Resop kept opening eyes. Having made the conversion from outfield in July 2003 at the suggestion of former farm director Marc DelPiano, Resop overpowered low Class A South Atlantic League hitters with a 95-98 mph fastball. He posted a nearly 10-1 strikeout-walk ratio and maintained his mechanics and composure throughout the year. He has the makings of a plus curve but needs to trust it more. Resop has a changeup but hasn't used it much so far. He thrives on the pressure that comes with the closer's role and allowed just one home run all year. A strong two-way talent in high school who signed with the University of Miami, Resop is aggressive and wants the ball. He admits to some regrets at not returning to pitching sooner after hitting a combined .193 with just one homer in 269 at-bats over parts of three pro seasons. Now that he has his feet under him as a pitcher, he could move quickly through the system. He projects as a short reliever and could eventually close in the majors as he polishes his breaking ball. He was left off the 40-man roster last winter but the Marlins probably won't take that risk again.
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  Ranked Miami Marlins #29 prospect in 2004
  A strong two-way talent in high school, Resop entered pro ball as an outfielder and was an abject failure at the plate. Despite putting on regular shows in batting practice, he hit .193 in three years with just one home run in 269 at-bats. His status changed overnight, however, when he consented to the Marlins' mid-July suggestion that he give pitching another try. He showed precious little mound rust upon his return. After a few weeks of work with Greensboro pitching coach Scott Mitchell, Resop soon started pumping 95-mph fastballs and flashing a sharp curveball out of a three-quarters arm slot. His changeup remains rudimentary. Pitching exclusively in relief, he showed a competitive streak and a good feel for pitching. A good athlete, Resop can field his position and shows the ability to hold runners. He's a strike thrower who threw just two balls in one 23-pitch outing. Resop could move quickly through the system now that he apparently has found his true calling. He'll probably begin the year back in low Class A.