Chad Petty

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Detroit Tigers #11 prospect in 2003
  Petty has pitched well since recovering from the arm problems he experienced during his first spring training in 2001. He has gone 21-11 the last two seasons, being named the top prospect in the Gulf Coast League in 2001 and holding up for 28 starts in low Class A in 2002. Petty throws 89-91 mph consistently with some movement on his fastball. He has a fine breaking ball for a young pitcher, a cross between a curveball and a slider. He's athletic and has a good feel for pitching. Durability is no longer a question now that he does a better job of staying in shape. Petty's changeup is weak and will need a lot of work. There are concerns about the way he prepares on the days he's not pitching. There are times when Petty loses command of his fastball, and he will have to cut down on his walks. He hits a lot of batters and throws too many wild pitches. Petty will move up to high Class A in 2003. The Tigers feel no sense of urgency to rush him and want to give him time to mature.
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  Ranked Detroit Tigers #15 prospect in 2002
  Petty learned a valuable lesson last season about being prepared. He came to spring training out of shape and paid for it with a sore arm. His stock fell in the eyes of team officials, who were surprised because they expected more from Petty based on his pro debut in 2000. After recovering and putting in the necessary work, Petty returned for his second year in the Rookielevel Gulf Coast League, where managers rated him the No. 1 prospect. He's a tall, athletic lefthander. He isn't overpowering at this point, usually throwing in the high 80s, but he's very projectable. He easily could develop more pop to his fastball as he matures physically and his pitching mechanics become more consistent. Petty does spot his fastball well, but struggles to command his breaking ball and changeup. He'll probably start this season in low Class A.
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  Ranked Detroit Tigers #22 prospect in 2001
  Though he isn't nearly as refined as first-rounder Matt Wheatland, second-rounder Petty has plenty of upside. He already tops out at 94 mph, though most of the time he pitches in the 88-90 mph range. Petty has the making of a good curveball and is a good athlete who moves well for his size. At times his command is good and he doesn't seem quite as raw. At other times his command is poor and his inexperience is obvious. He lacks a changeup and needs one. Petty will start the 2001 season at West Michigan.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Florida Complex League #1 prospect in 2001
  Petty made a cameo appearance in the league a year ago after being Detroit's second-round pick in 2000. He led the league with a 1.11 ERA in his return. "He really learned how to pitch this year," Yankees manager Derek Shelton said. "He worked both sides of the plate and knew exactly what pitch to throw in each situation. He was very polished for the Gulf Coast League." "He's got great command for a young pitcher," Phillies manager Roly DeArmas added. "He knew what to do even when he didn't have his best stuff." Petty shows the makings of three solid pitches. His fastball normally ranges from 87-89 mph, touches 90-91 and has excellent sinking action. His changeup also moves extremely well, while his curveball acts more like a hard slider. The Ohio native may not have returned to the GCL had the Tigers not chosen to bring him back slowly from an injury in extended spring training. It proved to be an excellent learning experience. "He was head and shoulders the best pitcher in this division," Tigers manager Howard Bushong said.

• December, 2000 Scouting Report
  Petty made a cameo appearance in the league a year ago after being Detroit's second-round pick in 2000. He led the league with a 1.11 ERA in his return. "He really learned how to pitch this year," Yankees manager Derek Shelton said. "He worked both sides of the plate and knew exactly what pitch to throw in each situation. He was very polished for the Gulf Coast League." "He's got great command for a young pitcher," Phillies manager Roly DeArmas added. "He knew what to do even when he didn't have his best stuff." Petty shows the makings of three solid pitches. His fastball normally ranges from 87-89 mph, touches 90-91 and has excellent sinking action. His changeup also moves extremely well, while his curveball acts more like a hard slider. The Ohio native may not have returned to the GCL had the Tigers not chosen to bring him back slowly from an injury in extended spring training. It proved to be an excellent learning experience. "He was head and shoulders the best pitcher in this division," Tigers manager Howard Bushong said.