Chris Hatcher Stats & Scouting Report

IP	265
ERA	4.653
WHIP	1.408
BB/9	3.328
SO/9	9.034

Full name David Christopher Hatcher
Born 01/12/1985 in Kinston, NC
Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School UNC Wilmington
Debut 09/19/2010
Drafted in the 5th round (155th overall) by the Miami Marlins in 2006 (signed for $167,000).

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Hatcher is an athletic catcher with a wiry body and has developed into a solid switch-hitter after giving up the practice earlier in his college career. Hatcher possesses a plus arm that has been clocked as high as 94 mph off the mound, but he tends to rush his throws on occasion.

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The top defensive catcher in the system just three years ago, Hatcher shifted to the mound in 2011 and reached the big leagues within months. Though a poor camp cost him a shot at last year's Opening Day roster, he was called up several times during the season and excelled in Triple-A. Despite his relative inexperience, Hatcher is a natural strike-thrower. His fastball sits at 93-94 mph and touches 96 with a little armside run. His sharp, late-breaking slider gives him a second plus pitch. His changeup has nice fade and could be an average offering, but he uses it sparingly. Hatcher brings a bulldog mentality to the mound and isn't afraid to work inside. His delivery is compact and he has a quick arm. Hatcher's Miami appearances were limited to losses and blowout wins last year, so his next hurdle is convincing new manager Mike Redmond that he's ready for a more significant role. He has the stuff and makeup to be a set-up man.
Hatcher's defensive ability garnered him a September callup as a catcher in 2010, but his light bat led him to become a full-time pitcher in 2011. Despite having made just two previous emergency relief appearances as pro, he made the transition seem effortless and earned a return trip to Florida in mid-July. The arm strength that Hatcher showed behind the plate translates into a 93-95 mph fastball. He has a natural feel for throwing strikes, though there's room to refine his command, particularly down in the zone. He lacks consistency with his tight 84-87 mph slider, which could give him a second above-average pitch. When he gains enough confidence to throw his slider in fastball counts, he'll be able to keep hitters from sitting on his heater. His straight changeup is already usable and has a chance to become an average offering. He utilizes a compact delivery and quick arm action, displaying a confidence on the mound that belies his novice status. Hatcher will go to camp with a shot at winning a job in Miami's relief corps. He may need some time to further refine his secondary pitches, but his upside is as high as any reliever's in the system.