Michael Mitchell Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Michael David Mitchell
Born 10/27/1981 in St. Louis, MO
Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School St. Charles CC
Drafted in the 35th round (1,052nd overall) by the Oakland Athletics in 2003.

View Draft Report

There are several interesting arms in the Missouri community college ranks, none moreso than Mitchell. He was under control to the Indians as a 14th-rounder but appeared headed toward re-entering the 2003 draft as it approached. Mitchell, who began his college career at the University of Missouri before transferring after one semester, has two big-time pitches in a 90-95 mph fastball and a sharp, low-80s slider. He doesn't have much of a changeup, and a sore elbow early in the spring limited his innings. He has some polish to him and could be effective as either a starter or a reliever once he turns pro. Mitchell is a potential third-round pick, in the same range as James and Zimmerman

Top Rankings

Mitchell didn't sign when the Indians drafted him in 2002 (14th round), returned to school and hadn't made much of a splash with the Athletics since they signed him--until last season. He needed Tommy John surgery late in 2003, and 2006 was his first full, healthy season. He emerged as the closer at Stockton after Marcus McBeth's promotion, then earned his own promotions, first to Triple-A and then more reasonably to Double-A. He also did a nice job in the Arizona Fall League. Mitchell attacks hitters, starting with a fastball that sits in the low 90s with life down in the zone. His most trusted secondary pitch is a solid-average slider, which he also throws hard, at times in the mid-80s. He made progress with his changeup in the AFL, though it's still his third pitch. Mitchell doesn't have a great feel for pitching but generally throws strikes and challenges hitters. Mitchell will start 2007 in the minors--most likely in Double-A--but could earn a big league shot if he pitches like he did in 2006.