Blake McGinley

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked New York Mets #22 prospect in 2005
  He didn't match the 1.02 ERA that left scouts shaking their heads in 2003, but McGinley did enough last year to show he can be a major league reliever. His mix of top-notch command, plus changeups, show-me curveballs and 85-88 mph fastballs continued to pile up strikeouts at Double-A and Triple-A. What jumps out about McGinley is his moxie. He has no fear of throwing an 85 mph fastball right down the pipe, trusting that its sink and his ability to outthink hitters will allow him to get away with pitches that should be pounded. McGinley has a little twist in his delivery that adds deception, but as with Yusmeiro Petit, it's tough to explain how he has 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings as a pro. He's ticketed for Triple-A, and before long he'll get a chance to see if he can get major league hitters out.
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  Ranked New York Mets #25 prospect in 2004
  While Shawn Bowman makes this list despite his 2003 stats, McGinley cracks the top 30 because of his. Though his repertoire doesn't exactly scream "prospect," he dominated the Florida State League with an 85-89 mph fastball, average curveball and changeup, and the ability to change speeds. It wasn't the first time that McGinley has exceeded expectations. He's had a sub-2.00 ERA with more than a strikeout an inning at three of his four minor league stops. Scouts are baffled about how exactly he continues to thrive. His motion isn't particularly deceptive, but his fastball has good life and he moves the ball inside and out while changing speeds. McGinley will face a big test in 2004, as the Mets will give him the chance to prove he can get Double-A hitters out.