Nathan Culp

With Max Scherzer battling biceps tendinitis, Culp became Missouri's top starter for much of the spring. He handled the extra responsibility with no problems, winning 10 games (one short of the school record) during the regular season. Culp and Scherzer couldn't be more different. While Scherzer is a righthanded power pitcher, Culp is a crafty lefty who relies on finesse. His best pitch is an 86-89 mph sinker that he can locate with precision. His velocity has been consistent all year long, peaking at 91. Culp came to Missouri with a curveball that became slurvy during his sophomore season, so he's gone to a cutter/slider he throws at 80-84 mph. He also has a changeup and still mixes in a curveball, with the ability to throw any of his pitches for strikes. None of his offering grades out as above-average, but his feel for pitching clearly does.