Mike Stodolka Stats & Scouting Report

AB	1118
AVG	.283
OBP	.392
SLG	.441
HR	31

Full name Michael Jerome Stodolka
Born 09/24/1981 in Fontana, CA
Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 215 / Bats: L / Throws: L
School Centennial
Drafted in the 1st round (4th overall) by the Kansas City Royals in 2000 (signed for $2,500,000).

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Stodolka has made a steady progression up the draft ladder this spring, inching into the first half of the first round with a string of solid outings. He came out of the gate throwing 90-92 mph, topping at 93, after being around 88 a year ago when scouts weren't sure whether he had more value as a pitcher or hitter. That debate has been settled. He went 10-0, 0.67 with 111 strikeouts in 52 innings, while displaying two above-average pitches and sound mechanics. Stodolka has committed to UCLA but is almost a cinch to sign.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Though Stodolka's willingness to accept a predraft deal worth $2.5 million led to him being taken fourth overall in the 2000 draft, he had plenty of ability to go with his signability. As a high school junior, in fact, he was more attractive to some teams as a hitter. He rarely was at his best in 2001 after he got mononucleosis and was weak when he arrived in camp. Kept in extended spring in April, he had a 2.21 ERA in his first two months in low Class A before shoulder tendinitis got him. He missed three weeks and got shelled upon his return. Stodolka lost a couple of miles an hour off his usual 90-93 mph last summer but should get the velocity back. He'll show a sharp curveball at times but doesn't consistently finish it off or command it. His changeup is getting better but isn't a finished product. Stodolka could shoot up this list if he's 100 percent in 2002, which he may start back at Burlington.
Stodolka's willingness to accept a $2.5 million predraft deal made him attractive to the Royals. While he wouldn't have gone quite as high as fourth overall on pure ability, he's still loaded with talent. A year earlier, some teams weren't sure if he was better as a hitter or a pitcher. Stodolka's future was determined when his fastball jumped from 88 mph in 1999 to 90-93 mph last spring. He also throws a hard curveball and has been working on adding a changeup. The Royals love both his stuff and his ability to throw strikes with it. Like many pitchers fresh out of high school, Stodolka needs to improve the command of his curveball and refine his changeup. There's nothing that can't be cured with experience. Stodolka will spend his first full pro season at Kansas City's new low Class A Burlington affiliate. He should be one of the first high school pitchers from the 2000 draft to reach the majors. Late 2003 is a realistic ETA.