Craig Clark Stats & Scouting Report

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Clark's fastball doesn't touch 88 mph, but it's hard to argue with his results last season. San Jose went 22-3 in his starts and he didn't lose after May 7, setting a franchise mark with 15 consecutive winning decisions. The California League pitcher of the year, he ranked second in the minor leagues with 16 victories. "People say winning's not everything," San Jose manager Andy Skeels said. "Oh really? OK, who says, 'Give me the guy who knows how to lose.' The greatest skill any athlete can have is knowing how to win and Clarkie knows how to do that." Clark is the kind of pitcher who makes hitters mutter as they walk to the dugout, but he isn't your average finesse guy. He tied a Cal League record when he struck out 10 consecutive batters in a June 1 victory over Stockton. He's able to bust a mid-80s fastball in on a hitter's hands without any fear of missing over the plate. He also throws a high-70s slider, a low-70s curveball and a changeup. None of his offerings is an out pitch, but he mixes them well. His competitiveness is off the charts, he holds runners well and makes adjustments quickly. Clark finds creative ways to attack hitters, often following a slow breaking ball with a slower one. Promoted to Double-A for the Eastern League playoffs in September, he may be advanced enough to proceed to Triple-A to start 2010.