Jeff Sues Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Jeffrey Paul Sues
Born 06/08/1983 in Edison, NJ
Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Vanderbilt
Drafted in the 5th round (151st overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2005 (signed for $171,000).

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Sues' velocity is 92-93 mph and he also has a power slider and average curveball. With such a repertoire, Sues--a 14th-round pick last year who failed to sign--still hasn't broken through as a consistent starter in college due to his command struggles and inability to consistently pitch out of jams. He also has durability questions due to past medical issues.

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Just before he was scheduled to make his first pro start in 2005, Sues injured his shoulder. Following surgery and a long rehab, he finally made his debut in mid-2007. The Pirates made him a reliever last season and were enthused by the results. Sues throws extremely hard, as his fastball sits at 93-95 mph and tops out at 98. He has added velocity now that he no longer has to pace himself coming out of the bullpen. He also has a power curveball and has the competitive nature to thrive in the late innings. Sues tends to throw first-pitch fastballs a little too often and Pittsburgh would like him to go with his curveball more often early in counts to keep hitters off balance. While he's hard to hit, he's too generous with walks. His changeup is mediocre but rarely comes into play in his new role. Pretty much a finished product, Sues will get the opportunity to win a middle-relief job with Pittsburgh this spring. If he doesn't make the team, he'll go to Triple-A and be groomed as a potential closer. He's more overpowering if not as polished as Pirates incumbent Matt Capps.