Brad Baker

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked San Diego Padres #9 prospect in 2005
  Baker looked like a local kid made good when the Red Sox made him a supplemental first-round pick in 1999, and he rated as their top pitching prospect following his first full season. Inconsistency afterward led to his inclusion in a trade for Alan Embree in 2002. Baker's struggles continued until he became a closer in mid-2003, and his turnaround included being named the Southern League pitcher of the year in 2004. Often described as a trick pitcher, Baker has one of the best changeups in the minors. It draws comparisons to Trevor Hoffman's, and he sets it up by commanding an 88-91 mph fastball. His fearless nature allows him to thrive in pressure situations. Baker has yet to develop a breaking ball of note, which is why he didn't develop as a starter. His fastball is average at best, and he'll have little margin for error, even as a set-up man. Baker will compete for a role in a crowded Padres bullpen this spring. He'll probably have to spend extended time in Triple-A before getting his first big league rotation.
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  Ranked San Diego Padres #27 prospect in 2003
  At first glance, acquiring Baker in a midseason deal with the Red Sox for Alan Embree had the potential to be as one-sided as the Dennis Tankersley-for-Ed Sprague heist San Diego perpetrated in 2000. But while Baker rebounded from a down 2001 season and pitched in the Futures Game, he hasn't regained the form that made him the Red Sox' top pitching prospect in 2000. Though he scrapped Boston's weightlifting program, which left him too bulky, and grew into his body, Baker no longer throws in the low 90s or reaches 95. He sits at 85-88 mph with little movement, and relies on his approach and a plus-plus changeup to survive. He also throws a curveball, and whether he can develop it into a solid average pitch may determine whether he reaches the majors. Baker needs to throw more two-seam fastballs rather than four-seamers, and he should use his curve more against lefthanders. His command deteriorated when he went to Double-A after the trade, which wasn't a good sign. He'll return there to begin 2003.
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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #13 prospect in 2002
  Boston's top-rated pitching prospect entering 2001, Baker was one of the organization's biggest disappointments last year. One of several New England products drafted by the Red Sox in recent years, his misguided attempts at weightlifting after the 2000 season left him bulky and tight. Baker still showed a quick arm action, but his fastball didn't sit in the low 90s or touch 95 mph like it had in the past. It also came in straighter than ever, making it all the more hittable. His overall control suffered as well, as he never looked comfortable with his body. His curveball was still a plus pitch at times, but his changeup continues to need refinement. Boston hoped Baker regained his flexibility this winter and returns to his previous form in 2002, when he'll probably return to high Class A.
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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #2 prospect in 2001
  Losing Mo Vaughn as a free agent didn't endear the Red Sox to their fans, but the club salvaged something by taking outfielder Rick Asadoorian and Baker with the compensation first-round picks. In his first full pro season, Baker quickly established himself as the organization's top pitching prospect. He can reach 95 mph, though he more comfortably pitches in the low 90s and is more of a pitcher than an overpowering thrower. He has a quick arm that makes his fastball seem harder than it is. His curveball is also a plus pitch, and he brings poise to the mound. He works down in the strike zone, getting groundouts and keeping the ball in the park, allowing just three homers last year. Lefties batted just .204 against him. Baker can improve the consistency of his secondary pitches, which also include a changeup. He also needs to get stronger, which could result in increased velocity. The Red Sox resisted the temptation to promote Baker to high Class A in 2000, when he was just 19. He'll make the move this year and could begin to progress quickly through the system.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked South Atlantic League #17 prospect in 2000
  The Red Sox often focus on New England players in the draft. They found a good one in Baker, a Massachusetts native whom they selected with a supplemental first-round pick (compensation for losing free agent Mo Vaughn) in 1999. Baker’s fastball, clocked at 95 mph, may be the best in the Boston system. But it’s his curveball that’s his most polished pitch. His slight build might be his only drawback. "The most impressive thing he does is change speeds well," Stephenson said. "He’s not as polished as Tsao or Belisle or some of the others, but he has good command."

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #76 prospect in 2001

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  The Red Sox often focus on New England players in the draft. They found a good one in Baker, a Massachusetts native whom they selected with a supplemental first-round pick (compensation for losing free agent Mo Vaughn) in 1999. Baker’s fastball, clocked at 95 mph, may be the best in the Boston system. But it’s his curveball that’s his most polished pitch. His slight build might be his only drawback. "The most impressive thing he does is change speeds well," Stephenson said. "He’s not as polished as Tsao or Belisle or some of the others, but he has good command."