Drafted in the 14th round (436th overall) by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008.
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Schwimer saved 14 games in 26 appearances and finished with a 3-1, 1.72 mark. He profiles better as a set-up man at the pro level. His best two pitches are a fastball that sits between 90-93 mph and slider in the mid-80s. Schwimer also throws a split-finger pitch that acts as his changeup. He has command of all three pitches.
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Many big league relievers begin their pro careers as starters, but Schwimer has worked exclusively out of the bullpen in four years at Virginia and four with the Phillies. Undrafted as a college junior, he signed for $5,000 after setting a Cavaliers record with 14 saves as a senior in 2008. He has moved quickly, reaching Double-A at the end of his first full pro season and Philadelphia at the end of 2011. With his supersized frame, Schwimer creates good downhill plane with his pitches, and his long arms and legs add deception to his delivery. His fastball sits at 89-92 mph, and while he can throw harder, he prefers to operate in his lower register. He relies heavily on his solid 80-84 mph slider, which he'll throw in any count. He also throws a 79-82 mph splitter as a changeup. Schwimer is a thinking man's pitcher who keeps detailed logs of every outing and has a rating system for his performances. While he doesn't have the upside of a late-inning reliever, he should fit nicely in middle relief for the Phillies in 2012.
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