Bryan Digby Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Bryan Digby
Born
Profile Throws: R

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

The 2002 season could have been a major disappointment in Digby's development. He came down with a shoulder impingement in April and pitched just 26 innings. But he recovered in time to report to instructional league, where he made outstanding progress working with roving pitching instructor Rick Adair. Under Adair's guidance, Digby shortened his arm action. Previously, his delivery was so long that the hitters could see the ball behind Digby, which led to poor command. The more compact motion is easier for him to repeat, which has led to increased consistency and confidence. Digby continued to excel after making a late trip to the Arizona Fall League. He throws a hard sinker in the low 90s. If he can maintain his new mechanics and continue to develop a better feel for his slider and changeup, the Braves believe he can move rapidly. Digby projects as a power reliever, though he likely will continue to start this year in Class A in order to get as many innings as possible.
Digby joins several other Atlanta prospects as a budding power pitcher who has yet to emerge from the embryological stages of a thrower. His strength is a hard, sinking 94-mph fastball with excellent movement that he throws effortlessly and with a consistent arm slot. He's continuing to refine his secondary offerings, particularly his changeup, and lacks command of all his pitches. His 32 walks last year were the second-highest total in the Rookie-level Appalachian League. Nevertheless, Appy managers rated Digby as the fifth-best prospect in the league, noting his projectable body and raw stuff. With the Braves stocked with young pitchers throughout the bottom half of the organization, they'll be patient with Digby. He's expected to make the climb to the Macon starting rotation in 2002.

Minor League Top Prospects

Digby falls into the same class as Denham, except that he doesn't throw quite as hard. Digby showed signs of being overpowering at times this season despite remaining a raw thrower, as evidenced by his 32 walks, the second-highest total in the league. He has a power arm that produced one of the top fastballs in the league. He consistently threw 94 mph with considerable sinking action. Digby's mechanics also are a positive, as he has an effortless delivery and consistent arm slot. Appy League managers also liked Digby's 6-foot-3 frame, and believe he'll learn to become a more dominant pitcher with experience and maturity.