Jason Bulger Stats & Scouting Report

IP	133
ERA	4.331
WHIP	1.406
BB/9	5.075
SO/9	9.338

Full name Jason Patrick Bulger
Born 12/06/1978 in Lawrenceville, GA
Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 215 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Valdosta State
Debut 08/26/2005
Drafted in the 1st round (22nd overall) by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001 (signed for $937,000).

View Draft Report

Bulger was a third baseman and DH in his first three seasons at Division II Valdosta State, and he continued to DH this year, leading the Blazers with a .345 average and 48 RBIs. He was used extensively as a pitcher for the first time, and scouts flocked to see the 6-foot-4, 215-pounder's fastball, which was regularly 93-94 mph and reached as high as 97. Bulger lacks feel on the mound, and he has little going for him at this point besides velocity and size, though that was enough to post a 1.49 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 49 innings. It's also enough to get him drafted in the third or fourth round, or even as a supplemental first-rounder if a team with extra picks wants to save money on a senior.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

The Angels shipped Alberto Callaspo to the Diamondbacks for Bulger before the 2006 season. He bounced back quickly from a shoulder injury and came to spring training in good shape. A late-rising converted third baseman whom Arizona drafted in the first round in 2001, Bulger became a reliable set-up man in Triple-A last season. When he's right, Bulger flashes two plus pitches in a fastball that reaches 96 mph and a hard slider. His slider has good, late tilt at times and grades as the best in the system. His command has long been his nemesis and grades as below-average. He doesn't repeat his delivery and tends to leave balls out of over the zone. His slider and changeup are inconsistent. At 29, Bulger has had three shots in the big leagues, and might get a fourth this year in spring training. He could pitch near the back of a bullpen if he ever learns how to harness his stuff.
Bulger was a surprise first-round pick in 2001 out of NCAA Division II Valdosta State (Ga.), where he was primarily an infielder for three years. He doubled as the team's closer as a senior and showed a mid-90s fastball that got scouts excited. Two of his brothers pitched professionally in 2005, Brian in independent ball and Kevin in the Royals system. Jason finally made it to the majors in 2005 after struggling as a starter for two years and having Tommy John surgery in 2003. Shelled by the Phillies in his big league debut, he recovered to deliver scoreless outings in six of his last eight appearances. Big and athletic, he fits the profile of a classic power reliever. His plus-plus fastball features plenty of sink, sits at 93-96 mph and touches 98. His curveball shows promise and he can throw it for strikes. Bulger can struggle with his command and is prone to overthrowing. He'll show too much confidence in his fastball and needs to learn how to mix it up better, particularly against lefthanders. At 27, Bulger isn't going to get much better but his stuff is good enough. He'll report to spring training as a favorite to earn a job in the Arizona bullpen.
Bulger was primarily an infielder at Division II Valdosta State, but he doubled as the team's closer in his senior year and opened scouts' eyes when he pumped mid-90s heat. He was a surprise first-round pick in 2001, and looked like a bust after ineffectiveness as a starter and 2003 Tommy John surgery. He returned to the bullpen in 2004 and took off. Bulger worked hard in his rehab and came back throwing harder than ever. His sinking fastball features great life and sits at 94-96 mph, and he can reach back and dial it up to 98. He throws a power curve for strikes, and the changeup he learned as a starter serves him well as a show-me pitch in the pen. Bulger is still raw despite being 26. He's inconsistent with his release point, which leads to command problems and a tendency to overthrow. Bulger was added to the 40-man roster, and the Diamondbacks believe he'll move quickly now. He'll begin the year as the closer in Triple-A, but should see the majors by September at the latest.
Bulger pitched little until his senior year at NCAA Division II Valdosta State, when he attracted attention with his fastball. He didn't project as a first-rounder but was considered an easy sign, then went in the first round and held out for the entire summer. He signed for $936,000, the second-lowest bonus in the first round. Brothers Brian and Kevin were selected later in the draft by the Giants. A converted third baseman, Bulger led Valdosta State in hitting, ERA and saves last season. He's capable of running his heater up to 97 mph, and it sits comfortably in the low 90s. He has an ideal pitcher's frame, similar to Kevin Brown's with broad shoulders and a loose arm. Bulger gives glimpses of a quality breaking ball, but until he hones his delivery it will be inconsistent. He rushes his delivery on his curveball and his arm has trouble catching up with his body. He has minimal mileage on his arm, but Bulger also lacks the savvy that comes with experience. His best chance to jump on the fast track will be in the bullpen. He'll debut as a starter in Double-A to build stamina.