Drafted in the 4th round (107th overall) by the Colorado Rockies in 2000.
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Up and down early this spring, Vance solidified his place as a second- or third-round pick with a string of consistent, solid performances, resulting in a 10-2, 2.90 record with 96 strikeouts in 87 innings. He throws three pitches for strikes, including a solid-average 87-90 mph fastball and a sharp curveball, his best pitch. He's gotten better every year at Georgia Tech and made his biggest strides this year with the command of his fastball. He should provide a quick return for the team that drafts him.
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After spending 2002 in Double-A, Vance was working out in September, getting ready for the Arizona Fall League. He suddenly was summoned by the Rockies, who were running out of pitchers, and got a two-game cup of coffee. He's not spectacular but he's a consistent winner, leading the Atlantic Coast Conference in victories in 2000 and reaching double figures in each of his two full pro sesons. He keeps hitters off balance with his offspeed pitches, a downer curveball and a changeup that he can turn over. If Vance can learn to throw his sinker in hitter's counts, he has a chance to start in the majors. He needs to command that two-seam fastball--which works best at 86-88 mph but will hit 91--better and trust it more often. Vance is an excellent athlete who fields his position, holds runners and even swings the bat well. He'll make the move to Triple-A in 2003.
After leading the Atlantic Coast Conference with 13 victories in 2000, Vance put together a solid first full pro season in high Class A before a pulled groin affected him in the playoffs. Though he said he felt fine, he failed to get past the third inning in either of his postseason outings after going 4-1, 1.30 in his last eight regulars-season starts. Vance has a bigtime curveball and changeup. His fastball varies between 86-92 mph and is most effective at 88-89. Lefthanders couldn't touch him in 2001, hitting .173 with no homers in 81 at-bats. Vance has decent command but doesn't put hitters away, which keeps him from getting deeper in games. A good athlete, he fields his position well and holds runners. He'll move to Double-A in 2002.
Vance was the second Georgia Tech lefty drafted in the fourth round by the Rockies in as many years, following Chuck Crowder in 1999. Vance led the Atlantic Coast Conference with 13 victories last year before turning pro. He has command of three pitches, and his best is a big-breaking curveball. His fastball comes in at 87-90 mph, enough velocity for a lefthander. After a lengthy negotiation he was impressive in his brief debut at short-season Portland. His durability is a key asset and he projects as a third or fourth starter in the majors. He figures to open his first full season at Class A Salem.
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