David Shafer

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #20 prospect in 2007
  Shafer has worked his way out of the organizational player tag to put himself in position to compete for a job in the Reds bullpen. Shafer was nearly unhittable during the first half of the season, when he was being used exclusively as a one-inning closer. At the end of June he had a 1.37 ERA with 25 saves in 26 innings. But over the second half of the season, the Reds worked him in longer stints of two innings to prepare him for eventual use as a setup man in the majors. He wasn't as dominant in longer outings, but the Reds believe it will help him when he reaches Cincinnati. Shafer works off a fastball/slider combo, using an 88- 92 mph fastball and an average slider that he commands well. His overall command is above average, which allows him to challenge hitters. He started using his changeup more once he was stretched out though it's not an average pitch yet. Shafer has a loose arm and has gotten stronger and added velocity as a pro. He has worked himself into the position to compete for a spot in the Reds bullpen, and if he doesn't win a job, he'll head to Triple-A.
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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #26 prospect in 2006
  Shafer pitched with Oakland's Rich Harden at Central Arizona Junior College in 2001, then was part of a Junior College World Series championship in 2002 before signing as a draft-and-follow. He got off to a quick start last year, not allowing a run in 10 high Class A outings to earn a promotion to Double-A, where he held his own. He was effective as a parttime closer, but his 88-92 mph fastball, average slider and improving changeup mean that he profiles more as a setup man or middle reliever. Shafer keeps the ball down and did a good job of throwing strikes before he got to Double-A. He has a resilient arm that has stood up well to the rigors of bullpen work. Shafer doesn't have a high ceiling, but the Reds need relief help and he could contribute in the near future.
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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #13 prospect in 2005
  The Reds' tandem-starter system obscured Shafer's 2004 performance, precluding him from putting up big numbers on a bad Dayton team. It couldn't obscure his development as one of the system's higher-ceiling arms. Shafer played at Junior College World Series champion Central Arizona Junior College in 2002, alongside Scott Hairston, Rich Harden and Rangers shortstop prospect Ian Kinsler, going 16-5 in two years as a starter. Cincinnati liked his loose arm, signed him as a draft-and-follow in 2002 and moved him to the bullpen. He worked as both a reliever and starter in 2004, finishing the year as high Class A Potomac's closer. The wiry-strong Shafer has some projection left on a fastball that sits at 88-92 mph and reaches 94. It has good life down in the zone, is always around the plate and works well with his slider, which he commands well but needs to tighten. His advanced command of both pitches could help him move quickly. Shafer has worked on a changeup that he would need as a starter, but his durability and live arm profile well for relief. The Reds say his makeup could make him a closer, and with a good spring he could open 2005 in that role in Double-A.