Corey Williams
| IP | 180 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 3.8 |
| WHIP | 1.4 |
| BB/9 | 4.95 |
| SO/9 | 8.35 |
- Full name Corey Robert Williams
- Born 07/04/1990 in Huntsville, AL
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- School Vanderbilt
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Drafted in the 3rd round (117th overall) by the Minnesota Twins in 2011 (signed for $575,000).
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Corey Williams is a 6-foot-2, 195-pounder who was thought to be a tough sign as a redshirt sophomore. Vanderbilt's deep staff meant Williams was limited to a relief role in 2011, and he had the staff's highest ERA. However, he has a live arm, pitching with an average fastball and at times hitting 93-94 with regularity. He has recovered fully from a knee injury that sidelined him in 2010, when he broke his kneecap when he was struck by a line drive. He showed his makeup and competitiveness by getting up and still throwing the runner out on the play that broke his kneecap.
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After redshirting as a freshman, Williams pitched 100 innings in college between two seasons at Vanderbilt and one summer in the Valley League. His sophomore year was cut short when a line drive broke his right kneecap, and he nevertheless threw the hitter out at first base in a highlight play that generated lots of attention on YouTube. Healthy in 2011, Williams forced his way to the front of the Commodores' deep bullpen, becoming the moment-of-truth reliever for a team that made its first-ever College World Series appearance. His fresh arm, excellent size and hard stuff from the left side make him particularly intriguing for the Twins, who may send him out as a starter in 2012 after signing him for an over-slot $575,000 as a third-rounder. Williams' fastball sits at 89-92 mph and regularly hits 93-94, and Minnesota believes he could add velocity as he gets more consistent work. His fastball has natural tailing action and some sink as well, and he has a feel for cutting it when he needs to. His changeup is in its early stages, and he throws both a curveball and a hard slider that has cutter shape and action. Williams' competitiveness suited him well for relieving, and the Twins hope they can channel his high-energy delivery into a starting role. Williams also could move quickly if he goes to the bullpen. How he handles longer stints in spring training will determine his 2012 role and assignment, but he's certain to make a Class A roster.
