Andy Van Hekken
| IP | 30 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 3 |
| WHIP | 1.467 |
| BB/9 | 1.8 |
| SO/9 | 1.5 |
- Full name Andrew William Van Hekken
- Born 07/31/1979 in Holland, MI
- Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: R / Throws: L
- School Holland
- Debut 09/03/2002
- Drafted in the 3rd round (95th overall) by the Seattle Mariners in 1998 (signed for $270,000).
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Van Hekken battled back from a slow start last season to reestablish himself as a top prospect in the eyes of Tigers officials. He solidified their belief in him by shutting out the Indians in his major league debut in September. But that game also created concern because Van Hekken's fastball averaged 83 mph and didn't top 85. This much the Tigers know about Van Hekken: He has a big league curveball, an excellent feel for pitching and knows how to win games. He's athletic and does the little things well, and he has a strong makeup. The only question surrounding him is whether he throws hard enough to be effective in the majors. His fastball does have good movement and he's able to make it tail back over the outside of the plate against righthanders. He works the outer half of the plate well against righties and is effective against lefties because of his curve. Showing an improved changeup in spring training would help his chances of making the Opening Day rotation. -
A year after drafting him in the third round, the Mariners traded Van Hekken to the Tigers for outfielder Brian Hunter. Van Hekken has done nothing but win games, going 41-15 as a pro and 35-12 in the Detroit system. His 31 victories over the last two years are the most among minor league pitchers. Van Hekken has excellent command of his fastball and works the outside half of the plate exceptionally well. His fastball tails in on lefthanders and away from righthanders, making it difficult to hit with authority. His curveball is sharp and he also can spot it where he wants. He doesn't throw hard, pitching in the high 80s most nights, and doesn't appear to have enough pop on his fastball to challenge big league hitters near the heart of the plate. His changeup isn't a quality pitch yet. To start 2002, Van Hekken will return to Double-A, where he went 5-0 last year but didn't pitch particularly well. He could reach Detroit quickly if he continues to experience success. -
The Mariners surely regret the trade that sent VanHekken to Detroit for speedster Brian Hunter in 1999. VanHekken led the Midwest League in wins and ranked second in ERA in 2000. He is a good athlete with an exceptional feel for pitching. He sets up his fastball with his other pitches, which include a curveball with nice bite and a changeup. He's poised on the mound and always seems to be in control. He works the outer half of the plate well, often expanding the strike zone on the hitter. He allowed just three homers in 2000. VanHekken's fastball doesn't register well on the radar gun, usually around 87 mph without exceptional movement, and he may not have enough velocity to pitch in the strike zone at the major league level. He needs to develop more consistency with his offspeed pitches and must pitch inside more, especially against righthanders. VanHekken is a prototype crafty lefthander. He'll start 2001 at Lakeland and could reach Erie by season's end.
Minor League Top Prospects
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The Tigers not only were able to foist one-tool wonder Brian Hunter on the Mariners in an April 1999 trade, they also got Van Hekken as one of two minor leaguers to be named later in the deal. In his first crack at full-season ball, he topped the MWL in victories and was the best prospect on a loaded West Michigan pitching staff that led the league with a 2.98 ERA. Van Hekken is the prototypical crafty lefthander. He’s effective with his 87-90 mph fastball because he locates it well and sets it up with his curveball and changeup. He works inside, throws strikes and keeps the ball down.
Scouting Reports
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The Tigers not only were able to foist one-tool wonder Brian Hunter on the Mariners in an April 1999 trade, they also got Van Hekken as one of two minor leaguers to be named later in the deal. In his first crack at full-season ball, he topped the MWL in victories and was the best prospect on a loaded West Michigan pitching staff that led the league with a 2.98 ERA. Van Hekken is the prototypical crafty lefthander. He’s effective with his 87-90 mph fastball because he locates it well and sets it up with his curveball and changeup. He works inside, throws strikes and keeps the ball down.
