Don Levinski Stats & Scouting Report

IP	327
ERA	4.046
WHIP	1.483
BB/9	5.56
SO/9	8.972

Full name Donald Beyer Levinski
Born 10/20/1982 in Houston, TX
Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Weimar
Drafted in the 2nd round (50th overall) by the Washington Nationals in 2001 (signed for $825,000).

View Draft Report

Levinski's talent alone would make him a candidate for the supplemental first round, and his name has surfaced as a possibility for clubs with early picks that are looking to cut a below-market deal. He's a terrific athlete, which worked against him early in the spring, as he struggled with his control because he was late coming out from the basketball team. It's tough to get a read on Levinski because he faced 2-A competition in Texas. But his low-90s fastball and hard curveball are legitimate pitches, and he has a good build at 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds. It's unlikely he'll follow through on his scholarship from Texas, which signed more of the in-state talent than any other school.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

In little more than two years after being drafted, Levinski was traded twice. After each trade, he was shut down for the season. Levinski came down with a slight rotator-cuff tear just before he became the player to be named in a Cliff Floyd trade in 2002, but the Marlins elected to keep him in the deal. That problem cleared up, but when Levinski had shoulder discomfort after joining the Orioles in a deal for Jeff Conine, they played it safe. He didn't pitch until instructional league, and even there he only worked out in the bullpen. When healthy, Levinski throws a heavy 88-93 mph sinker and power curveball. His changeup still is developing. The Orioles also like his size and makeup. They've made adjustments to his arm action to try to relieve the stress on his shoulder. They also hope that will improve his command, which completely fell apart last year. Levinski should be 100 percent in spring training, and he'll likely return to high Class A as Baltimore tries to get him back on track.
Levinski came south from Montreal along with Justin Wayne in the Cliff Floyd trade. In his final start with the Expos, Levinski's velocity dropped into the mid-80s and an MRI later revealed a slight rotator-cuff tear. The Marlins opted to keep him in the deal and subsequent tests showed a strain rather than a tear. After being shut down for the final month of 2002, Levinski threw a handful of bullpens at instructional league and was healthy. His heavy sinker arrives at 88-93 mph with hard, late life. When he's in a groove, he can almost get by with his fastball alone. He also features a power curve and a solid changeup. He has a sound delivery that he repeats with ease. He has a quiet personality but is competitive and confident. Walks have been a concern as Levinski learns to command his darting arsenal. After last year's health scare, he'll need to prove he can stay in the rotation for a full season. He also must use his changeup more often. Having dominated the Midwest League for four months, Levinski will probably open 2003 at Jupiter. His maturity and repertoire make him a candidate to move quickly.
There were rumors that the Expos might make Levinski the sixth overall selection last June in what would have been a signability decision, but they waited until the second round and landed him for $825,000. He has an athletic body with broad shoulders, and he should get bigger and stronger. He has a sound, balanced delivery and loose arm action that produces a heavy 88-94 mph fastball with outstanding sink. He also throws a 78-81 mph power curve, one of the best breaking pitches in the 2001 draft. It has a tight, fast rotation with good depth and late, sharp break, though he needs to gain better consistency with it. He sometimes drops his arm slot, causing his curve to flatten out. His circle change also has a chance to be a plus pitch, as he throws it with fastball type trajectory and arm speed. The Expos like the way Levinski handles himself on the mound, showing a controlled presence with confidence. They were pleased with the progress he made during the pitching minicamp they held after the season and believe he may have a chance to start 2002 at Clinton if he has a good spring.

Minor League Top Prospects

Another trade acquisition by the Marlins, Levinski never pitched for his new organization after becoming the player to be named later for Floyd in August. He hurt his shoulder in his final start for Clinton, but an MRI revealed only tendinitis. He should be good to go for spring training. Levinski was easily the best righthander in the MWL, repeatedly showing three plus pitches. His 88-90 mph two-seamer is his best offering, as batters can't do anything but pound it into the ground. They don't get much of a break when he throws a four-seamer that can reach the mid-90s or a power curveball. Like most young pitchers, Levinski can improve his control and his changeup.