Jon Leicester

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Chicago Cubs #8 prospect in 2005
  Area scout Mark Adair did a tremendous job seeing the potential in Leicester, who was better as a shortstop in college and went 0-11, 6.72 during his draft year. He never posted a winning record until 2004, when he made the transition from the Triple-A rotation to the big league bullpen and was one of the Cubs' most effective relievers in the second half. When Leicester pitches in short stints, his fastball sits at 95-96 mph and reaches 98. He can overmatch righthanders with his slider, and lefties with a splitter that serves as his changeup. He finally has gained the confidence he needs to win. Strong and durable, he can handle any role. Leicester's control wavers and he's hittable when he leaves his pitches up in the zone. His secondary pitches aren't always reliable, sometimes leaving him with nothing but his fastball. Surprisingly, those problems occurred less in the majors. Though he has earned manager Dusty Baker's trust, Leicester isn't guaranteed a bullpen spot in 2005. He could get a chance to start in the majors down the road.
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  Ranked Chicago Cubs #22 prospect in 2004
  The Cubs did a masterful job of finding pitching in the late rounds of the 2000 draft. They signed 2003 National League rookie of the year Dontrelle Willis in the eighth round, Leicester in the 11th, Carmen Pignatiello in the 20th and Jason Szuminski (lost to the Padres in December's major league Rule 5 draft) in the 27th. Area scout Mark Adair had to do a lot of projection on Leicester, who went 0-11, 6.72 and performed better as a shortstop that year at the University of Memphis. While he never has had a winning record or posted an ERA lower than 3.89 as pro, Leicester has made good progress and has been protected on the 40-man roster for the last two years. The Cubs still aren't sure if he'll wind up being a starter, set-up man or closer. Though he had a lower ERA in relief (3.35) than in the rotation (4.44) in Double-A, he actually pitched better as a starter. Leicester has one of the best pure arms in the system, throwing 95-96 mph and topping out at 98 last year. Leicester also can overmatch hitters with his slider and splitter at times. The key for him is command, in terms of both throwing all his pitches for strikes and locating them in the zone. He pitches high in the strike zone too often, which won't be as easy to get away with in the majors. He'll spend 2004 in Triple-A.
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  Ranked Chicago Cubs #30 prospect in 2003
  Given Leicester's career record and 2002 Arizona Fall League performance (8.29 ERA, .341 opponent average), the Cubs' decision to add him to their 40-man roster might seem curious. Given that he has one of the best arms in the system and that several clubs had expressed interest in him, though, the move makes sense. Leicester missed time last year with a sore arm and blisters, but threw 92-95 mph when he was 100 percent. He's still working on the rest of his game. His curveball has its moments but also reverts to a slurve, and his changeup isn't effective. Leicester's lack of confidence doesn't help him throw strikes. He'll try to put it all together this year in Double-A.