Jake Dittler
| IP | 828 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.163 |
| WHIP | 1.438 |
| BB/9 | 3.174 |
| SO/9 | 5.989 |
- Full name Jake Andrew Dittler
- Born 11/24/1982 in Pittsburgh, PA
- Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 220 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Green Valley
-
Drafted in the 2nd round (51st overall) by the Cleveland Guardians in 2001 (signed for $750,000).
View Draft Report
Dittler commanded early interest that cooled when he missed four weeks in the middle of the season with a strained muscle attached to his elbow. He missed another start later in the season when the soreness returned. When he's right, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound righthander has a live arm and three solid pitches: a fastball consistently at 93 mph, a spike curve and a circle change. If he shows he's healthy, he could go as early as the second round.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
Another early-round pitching pick from the 2001 draft, Dittler jumped ahead of first-rounders J.D. Martin and Dan Denham by 2003, but two mediocre seasons in Double-A later have him heading in the wrong direction. The most frustrating part is that he still shows quality stuff. He has a heavy fastball that sits in the low 90s and has been clocked as high as 95 mph. His curveball is a plus pitch at times and his changeup gives him a decent third pitch. Dittler doesn't have trouble finding the strike zone, but he has been hittable because his command isn't as good as his control. He can lose the release point on his curveball, which results in vulnerable pitches up in the strike zone. Though Dittler led the system in innings last year, his stamina became an issue by midseason. He lost too much weight and lost velocity on his fastball, though he bounced back by the end of the year through a stringent conditioning program. He'll get his first taste of Triple-A this season. -
The Indians used three first-round picks on pitchers in 2001, but second-rounder Dittler has outperformed Dan Denham, unsigned Alan Horne and J.D. Martin. His stock soared high enough that he ranked No. 4 on this list a year ago, but nagging injuries contributed to inconsistent command during a disappointing 2004 season. Dittler posted a 2.20 ERA in his first five starts before stiffness in his upper back landed him on the disabled list for four weeks in May Upon his return, he had trouble locating his plus stuff. His two main pitches are a heavy, boring 90-95 mph fastball and an above-average curveball. His changeup came on as a viable third weapon in 2004. Though his fast-track development hit a snag, the Indians still believe he's on schedule to contribute in the majors by 2006. Dittler got back on course in the Arizona Fall League as he prepared for a return to Double-A in 2005. -
Dittler is a product of national prep power Green Valley High, which also produced first-round picks Chad Hermansen (1995) and Mike Nannini (1998). The Indians took three pitchers ahead of Dittler in the first round of the 2001 draft, but he has surpassed Dan Denham, Alan Horne (who didn't sign) and J.D. Martin as a prospect. Dittler went just 6-13, 4.19 over his first two seasons before breaking out last year. Dittler relies on a sinking, boring fastball that sits at 90-94 mph. Physical maturity has allows him to sustain his arm slot, giving his fastball consistent velocity and action in the zone. He also throws a hard curveball. Dittler's control improved noticeably in 2003. His strong build and confidence are reminiscent of Curt Schilling. Dittler needs to improve the consistency and rotation of his curve, and also must refine his changeup. He must be able to throw his secondary pitches for strikes so hitters don't sit on his fastball. Dittler will start the 2004 season in Double-A. He needs at least a year and a half in the upper minors before he's ready for Cleveland. -
Dittler's 5-11 record at low Class A Columbus in 2002 didn't diminish the enthusiasm Indians officials have for his potential. Dittler features a 93 mph fastball--and he might have even more velocity in there--a hard overhand curve and a good changeup. Dittler is a rare power pitcher who also has a good feel for his changeup. Because of his size, he struggles at times to keep his mechanics together, but when he does Dittler can be dominating. He physically resembles Curt Schilling but needs to develop the focus and relentless pitch-to-pitch, hitter-to-hitter focus of Schilling. He's marching through the Cleveland system with fellow 2001 draftees Dan Denham, Travis Foley and J.D. Martin. The Indians would like to keep them together to healthy competition within the group. It looks like they'll start the 2003 season together in high Class A. If one of them gets bumped back to low Class A, it could be Dittler.
