Michael Blazek

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #17 prospect in 2014
  When the Cardinals showed interest in acquiring deposed closer John Axford before the Aug. 31 waiver trade deadline in 2013, the Brewers saw it as an opportunity to add another power arm to their system. Because Milwaukee viewed Axford as a probable non-tender candidate, they were pleased to swing a deal for Blazek, who had excelled in the St. Louis system and received a brief trial in the big leagues. A 35th-round pick in 2007, Blazek turned down an offer from Nevada to play middle infield so that he could concentrate on pitching in pro ball. He throws his fastball in the 94-97 mph range but sometimes fights his mechanics and has command issues. He'll mix in a curve in the mid-70s, a slider in the mid-80s and a changeup, all pitches that he relies on less in the bullpen than he did as a starter. When he gets his breaking stuff over, however, hitters have more to worry about. Assuming Blazek can throw enough strikes, the Brewers see him as a seventh-inning pitcher, perhaps a set-up man, at the big league level, with an ability to climb the ladder with his fastball.