Anthony Bass Stats & Scouting Report

IP	524
ERA	3.916
WHIP	1.282
BB/9	3.246
SO/9	7.145

Full name Anthony Edward Bass
Born 11/01/1987 in Dearborn, MI
Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Wayne State
Debut 06/13/2011
Drafted in the 5th round (165th overall) by the San Diego Padres in 2008 (signed for $166,000).

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With Zach Putnam possibly projecting as a reliever, the best starting pitching prospect in Michigan could be righthander Anthony Bass of Wayne State, an NCAA Division II program. Bass has a 90-92 mph fastball that peaks at 94, a curveball with some bite and a decent changeup. While at Trenton (Mich.) High, Bass struck out 19 batters in one game to break J.J. Putz's school record.

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Bass topped the California League in ERA (3.13) and WHIP (1.09) in 2010, then handled the jump to Double-A well enough last season for San Diego to call him up for a spot start on June 13. He continues to add velocity in pro ball, working his way up to a steady 90-93 mph in a starting role--and he peaked at 96 coming out of the bullpen for the Padres in the second half of 2011. Bass also has improved a mid-80s slider that grades as average at times, but he hasn't taken to a changeup. He doesn't command either his fastball or slider well enough to escape being pigeonholed as a reliever. His delivery features a stabbing motion in the back, and some scouts believe this inhibits his ability to throw quality strikes. Bass kept the ball down in the big leagues but didn't miss many bats. If that pattern holds, he'll be relegated to a low-leverage relief role.
Bass struck out 19 batters in a game for Trenton (Mich.) High to break J.J. Putz's school record. The Padres installed Bass as closer for short-season Eugene to keep his innings in check after signing him in 2008, but the organization has developed him as a starter in two seasons since. He led the high Class A California League in four categories last year: ERA (3.13), WHIP (1.09), opponent average (.248) and walks per nine innings (1.4). Despite the terrific year, he ultimately might fit best as a reliever because his velocity peaks at 95-96 mph in shorter stints and because his secondary stuff gets mixed reviews. He's also slightly built and has earned a reputation as a tenacious competitor who attacks batters and doesn't leave a lot in reserve. Bass delivers pitches from a high three-quarters slot, and his 90-92 mph fastball is fairly straight. He has gone away from a curveball in favor of a low- to mid-80s slider/cutter and a sinking changeup that flashes above-average potential. He works up in the zone frequently, but opposing batters at the Class A level didn't seem to see the ball well. Bass has a plus fastball, throws strikes, competes well and has improved his secondary stuff, attributes that could spell a future in late-inning relief or as a back-end starter. He'll open 2011 in the Double-A rotation.