Chris Hicks
| IP | 206 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 5.723 |
| WHIP | 1.553 |
| BB/9 | 3.015 |
| SO/9 | 8.083 |
- Full name Christopher Lee Hicks
- Born 02/17/1987 in Alpharetta, GA
- Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Milton
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Drafted in the 14th round (422nd overall) by the Houston Astros in 2008 (signed for $150,000).
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Closer Chris Hicks has shown plus arm strength this season, throwing 92-95 mph out of the bullpen. Hicks' fastball is heavy but at times can be too true, and poor command made him hittable and led to a 7.11 ERA. Hicks also throws a curveball, split-finger and knuckle-curve. At 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, he's projectable if he can harness his command.
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Hicks' family moved from St. Louis to suburban Atlanta after his high school junior year, and he stayed local by attending college at Georgia Tech. He spent the last two seasons as a set-up man and closer, and signed for $150,000 despite his 8.67 ERA in 27 appearances last season. The Astros were intrigued by his frame and power stuff, however, and will give him a shot at starting. After seeing Hicks take batting practice at short-season Tri- City last summer, they noted his strength and athletic frame, with broad shoulders and strong legs. Hicks does have the potential for several weapons. His fastball was sitting 92-95 mph in the spring and then touched 96 in Hawaii Winter Baseball. He also showed a knuckle-curve and a power slider, though both need a lot of refinement. The knuckle-curve tends to flatten out. He used a split-finger in college but is working on developing a changeup. The big key will be command, however, which is what kept him from being more effective in college. The Astros think his arm could handle 200 innings a year eventually, so they'll slot him into Lexington's rotation and see if he has the command for it.
