Ryan Feierabend

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Seattle Mariners #5 prospect in 2007
  The youngest regular starting pitcher in the high Class A California and Double-A Texas leagues the last two seasons, Feierabend also became the youngest rookie pitcher in the majors when Seattle called him up in September. With Felix Hernandez, Feierabend and Adam Jones, the Mariners had three of the four youngest players in the big leagues in 2006. Feierabend has the best command in the system. His best pitch is his circle changeup, which he sets up with an 88-92 mph fastball that he can sink or cut. He's athletic and still has some projection remaining in his lanky frame. His pickoff move is as good as any in the game, as he has led each of his full-season leagues in basestealers caught and has permitted just three swipes in 33 attempts over the last two years. Feierabend has made strides with his breaking pitch but still seeks a truly reliable third pitch. He throws both a slider and a curveball, with the slider rating a slight edge. His delivery can get inconsistent, as he sometimes lands awkwardly on the side of his front foot. His maturity, intelligence and work ethic have allowed Feierabend to move quickly. While he'll probably spend most of 2007 in Triple-A, the Mariners trust that he'll respond well if needed in the majors. He's not overpowering but should become a solid No. 4 starter.
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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #16 prospect in 2006
  Feierabend has arguably the best pickoff move in the minors. A year after leading Midwest League pitchers with 16 basestealers caught, he topped the California League with 18 in 2005--when he gave up only one successful steal. Feierabend also was the youngest starting pitcher in the Cal League and more than held his own as a teenager in high Class A. He finished strong for the second straight year, going 6-2, 2.55 in his final 13 starts. His fastball bumped up a notch to 89-90 mph, occasionally topping out at 92. He's still young and projectable, so it's possible he could add velocity. His curveball and circle changeup are average, and his whole repertoire plays up because of his command and ability to keep hitters off balance by mixing his pitches. Feierabend doesn't have a huge ceiling, but he has passed every test so far and could become a No. 4 starter. He'll advance to Double-A this season.
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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #17 prospect in 2005
  The Mariners like to collect lefthanders with a feel for pitching, and after Travis Blackley, Feierabend is their best. Seattle has compared him to a younger version of Blackley, and Feierabend already has more velocity. His fastball ranges from 86-92 mph, and he should have at least consistent average velocity once his lanky frame matures. His circle changeup and curveball are average pitches, but his stuff plays up because he's willing to throw any pitch in any count and has the command to locate them where he wants. Feierabend's feel and poise may be his most impressive attributes. Easily the Midwest League's youngest starting pitcher in 2004, he turned in 18 quality starts in 26 outings, including in each of his last six. He also shared Wisconsin's pitcher-of-the-year award with Oldham. Feierabend has a sharp pickoff move, leading the MWL with 16 basestealers caught. He didn't miss a lot of bats last season, though that can be attributed partly to his age. If his stuff develops like Seattle thinks it will, that won't be an issue. He'll pitch in high Class A this year.
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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #14 prospect in 2004
  Though the Marlins already had a deep stock of lefthanded pitching, they also thought that was one of the strengths of the 2003 draft crop. So they signed five southpaws from the first eight rounds, starting with Feierabend. He gave up a scholarship from Kent State for a $437,000 bonus. "You see Travis Blackley in this guy," one scout said, "with a touch more velocity and he's younger." Feierabend already throws 88-91 mph and should sit in the low 90s once he fills out his projectable frame. His smooth delivery and advanced feel for pitching let him put his pitches where he wants. His changeup already ranks among the best in the system. Feierabend throws two breaking balls and both need work. His slider is better than his curveball at this point. Adding strength is also on his priority list after he tired in his pro debut. Because he's so young--he didn't turn 18 until late in the season--the Mariners will handle him carefully. Feierabend likely will start the season in extended spring training before reporting to Everett in June.