Billy Traber Stats & Scouting Report

IP	215
ERA	5.651
WHIP	1.591
BB/9	3.14
SO/9	6.363

Full name William Henry Traber
Born 09/18/1979 in Torrance, CA
Profile Ht.: 6'5" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: L / Throws: L
School Loyola Marymount
Debut 04/04/2003
Drafted in the 1st round (16th overall) by the New York Mets in 2000 (signed for $400,000).

View Draft Report

On a team with three probable picks in the first two rounds, Traber's stock has risen the most. He was a 58th-rounder out of high school but has climbed into consideration for a compensation or even a late first-round pick. Aside from being lefthanded, nothing really stands out. He's solid in all areas, has ideal size and competes well. A fastball in the 88-91 mph range and an above-average split-finger gave him 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Alex Escobar was the biggest name acquired from the Mets for Roberto Alomar, but Traber's importance was reinforced when Escobar missed all of 2002 with a knee injury. While other pitching prospects were called up to Cleveland in September, Traber was not, in order to save a spot on the 40-man roster and to ease his workload. Pure and simple, Traber is a winner. He finished second in the minors with 17 wins. He isn't overpowering but has a variety of pitches and an unorthodox delivery. He's a strike thrower with good life and movement on all his pitches, making it tough for hitters to make hard contact. His fastball has below-average velocity at 87-88 mph, but its movement and Traber's delivery make it a solid pitch. His curveball and splitter are also reliable. Traber's changeup is his weakest pitch, and he needs it against righthanders. The Mets discovered ligament damage in his elbow after drafting him, but he has been durable to date as a pro. Yet another candidate for the Opening Day rotation, Traber should make his major league debut at some point in 2003.
While Alex Escobar was the biggest name among the prospects Cleveland received in the Roberto Alomar trade, Traber may be a safer bet to succeed. The 16th overall draft pick in 2000, he agreed to a $1.7 million bonus before a routine physical revealed ligament damage in his elbow. Forced to settle for $400,000, he was healthy throughout his pro debut last year and reached Triple-A. Traber has three pitches that can get hitters out--an 89-91 mph fastball, a plus curveball and a splitter that he saves to escape jams. His command makes those pitches even better, as he keeps hitters off balance by mixing his pitches and locations. He also throws on a nice downward plane. His fourth pitch right now is a changeup, and it needs the most work. He did make some strides with it and learned to trust it more last year. Though Traber logged 152 innings and did not miss a start in 2001, there's still concern abut his elbow. The Indians don't have the stockpile of lefty starters that the Mets have, so Traber may find it easier to reach the big leagues in his new organization. He'll be a phone call away this year in Triple-A.
Traber was the first college lefthander drafted in 2000. He was set to sign a club-record-tying $1.7 million bonus until a physical revealed abnormalities in his pitching elbow that suggested damage to the medial collateral ligament. He wound up signing reluctantly for $400,000 and getting his first taste of pro ball in instructional league. Based on his work in college and instructional league, Traber has impressed the Mets with his four-pitch repertoire. He throws in the low 90s, giving him a good fastball for a lefty, and picks up strikeouts with an above-average splitter. He also throws a curveball and slider. Traber hasn't required surgery yet, but he may have to keep his splitter under wraps because of the uncertainty about his elbow. His curve hasn't been as effective as his slider. Traber's MRI yielded an all-too-familiar result for an organization that has been stung by injuries to its top prospects. If he stays healthy, his fastball and medley of breaking pitches could put him on the fast track. He would have headed to St. Lucie had he pitched in 2000, and he'll likely make his debut there this year.

Minor League Top Prospects

Alex Escobar was the biggest name among the prospects the Indians received from the Mets last December. Escobar tore up his left ACL in spring training, and big leaguers Matt Lawton and Jerrod Riggan also were disappointments. At least Traber , whose 17 victories between Akron and Triple-A Buffalo were one off the overall minor league lead, salvaged something for Cleveland. He's a savvy lefthander who throws strikes with four pitches and changes speeds. His high-80s sinker and his curveball are both plus offerings.
After agreeing to a $1.7 million signing bonus as the 16th overall pick in 2000, Traber settled for $400,000 when a routine physical revealed ligament damage in his pitching elbow. Since making his pro debut in April, he has pitched like a man on a mission. He maintained his health, shouldering 151 innings and earning two promotions to finish 2001 in Triple-A Norfolk. Traber operates with four pitches and paints both sides of the plate with impeccable command of a moving 89-91 mph fastball. He'll mix in a good splitter a few times a game to keep hitters off balance. "He has the full makeup of a solid major league lefthander," St. Lucie manager Tony Tijerina said. "He's very intelligent and confident. He's a rare type. Once he grasps command of the changeup, it will be a vital pitch."