James Avery
| IP | 1154 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.617 |
| WHIP | 1.446 |
| BB/9 | 3.299 |
| SO/9 | 5.919 |
- Full name James B. Avery
- Born 06/10/1984 in Maple Creek, SK, Canada
- Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Niagara
- Drafted in the 5th round (152nd overall) by the Cincinnati Reds in 2005 (signed for $170,000).
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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The Reds have never been afraid to scout Canadians, but unlike most Canadian prospects, Avery was a relatively refined product when drafted. He had been taken by the Twins in the 29th round in 2002 out of high school, but chose to sign with Niagara. Pitching at Niagara and two summers in the Cape Cod League helped add polish. Like Sam LeCure, the Reds sent Avery to high Class A in his first full pro season, and like LeCure he got better as the season went along. Avery was hit around in the first half of the season, but bounced back to go 2-1, 1.91 in 33 innings (allowing 33 hits, nine walks and 25 strikeouts) in his final five starts. The Reds were impressed enough to give him a one-start cameo in Triple-A. Avery throws a 88-92 mph fastball with a clean three-quarters delivery. He has an improving 12- to-6 curveball and an average changeup. He relied more on his curveball in 2006, which has developed into an average pitch. He doesn't blow away hitters, as evidenced by his 5.8 strikeouts per nine innings, which could be a concern as he climbs the ladder, but he's likely earned a promotion to Double-A for 2007. -
Avery is one of three Canadians on this top 30 list, and like Joey Votto and Philippe Valiquette he played for the national junior team. Unlike those two, Avery was scouted in the United States before the Reds signed him. A Saskatchewan native, he got exposure in three years at Niagara University and in the Cape Cod League before signing as a fifth-round pick last June for $170,000. He impressed Reds officials with a 90-92 mph fastball that touches 94, and an above-average changeup. He flashed an average 12-to-6 curveball after signing, but his inability to develop consistency with that pitch as an amateur kept him from going higher in the draft. Avery showed good mound presence in his pro debut. While many scouts thought he profiled as only a reliever coming out of college, Cincinnati thinks he'll have the three-pitch repertoire necessary to start. He's strong enough to handle the role, which he'll fill with one of the Reds' Class A affiliates this year.
