Calvin Medlock

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #28 prospect in 2006
  Few pitchers in the system made more strides in 2005 than Medlock. In his first taste of high Class A the year before, he struggled to keep the ball down and showed little feel for his curveball. In his return trip, he dominated batters with a live 88-92 mph fastball that seemed to jump on hitters. He showed added arm speed and tweaked his arm angle. That allowed him to get more downward plane on his fastball, always a challenge for the 5-foot- 10 righthander. His curveball returned to effectiveness, his changeup improved and he threw more strikes than ever. Used mostly as a starter, Medlock better fits the profile of a middle reliever. But he has earned the right to remain in the rotation as he advances to Double-A.
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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #26 prospect in 2005
  A standout reliever in junior college and in his pro debut, Medlock got a chance to pitch in the rotation last year because Dayton needed arms for its tandem-starter system. He broke out in the first half before struggling after a promotion to high Class A. Medlock stands just 5-foot-10, which leaves his fastball on a relatively straight plane to home plate, and he commands just two pitches. His fastball can reach 93 mph on occasion and sit in the high 80s on others, and he's adept at using it inside. He also has a solid two-plane curveball that he uses as a strikeout pitch. He's poised with runners on base and is a tough competitor. The whole package screams middle reliever, slotting Medlock in behind Todd Coffey, David Shafer and Daylan Childress, all of whom either throw harder or have a better secondary pitch. Medlock will go back to high Class A as a reliever this year and could move quickly.