Brian McNichol
| IP | 10 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 7.2 |
| WHIP | 2.2 |
| BB/9 | 6.3 |
| SO/9 | 10.8 |
- Full name Brian David McNichol
- Born 05/20/1974 in Fairfax, VA
- Profile Ht.: 6'5" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- School James Madison
- Debut 09/07/1999
- Drafted in the 2nd round (34th overall) by the Chicago Cubs in 1995.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Background: Despite McNichol's high draft status, he failed to register on the prospect charts until this year. He missed much of 1996 with elbow tendinitis and spent 1997 getting by on guile and a mid-80s fastball. A healthy McNichol shared the Cubs minor league lead in strikeouts last year. Strengths: McNichol's best pitch is a deceptive changeup that he can throw for strikes at any count. His fastball returned to its college velocity of 88-91 mph and he was able to keep hitters honest with it. When he's in a groove, McNichol has above-average command of his pitches. Weaknesses: McNichol has a power pitcher's body but relies on finesse to get hitters out. His curveball, though, is his weakest pitch and it often limits his effectiveness against lefthanded hitters, reducing his versatility on a pitching staff. The Future: Lefthanded pitchers with McNichol's stuff, command and strikeout ability almost always get an opportunity to start in the big leagues, even if scouts downplay their ceilings. McNichol's first real shot at the Chicago rotation should come in 2000.
