Matt Capps
| IP | 439 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 3.526 |
| WHIP | 1.191 |
| BB/9 | 1.722 |
| SO/9 | 6.54 |
- Full name Matthew Dicus Capps
- Born 09/03/1983 in Douglasville, GA
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 250 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Robert S. Alexander
- Debut 09/16/2005
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Drafted in the 7th round (193rd overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2002.
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RHP-C Matt Capps will pitch as a pro because he throws in the low 90s. If he goes to Louisiana State, he'll also catch because he's an above-average hitter and a physical presence behind the plate.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Capps made an amazing rise after posting a 10.07 ERA in eight low Class A Hickory starts in 2004. Converted to a reliever during spring training in 2005, he began the season back at Hickory and finished it in the Pittsburgh bullpen. Capps attacks hitters and doesn't back down, a style that works much better for him in short relief. His fastball routinely hits 95 mph and looks even quicker because he comes straight over the top with it. He does an exceptional job of throwing strikes. Capps hasn't been able to come up with a consistent breaking ball. He'll need another pitch, possibly a splitter, to go with his fastball in order to get major league hitters out. He's more hittable than he should be with his velocity because hitters can sit on his heater. Though Capps got a taste of the major leagues at the end of 2005, he needs more seasoning and will begin 2006 in Double-A. He has a chance to eventually become a major league closer if he can find a complement for his plus fastball. -
Capps was outstanding on both ends of the battery in high school, starring as a pitcher and catcher. While some teams projected him as a catcher, the Pirates drafted him as a pitcher and haven't been disappointed after signing him away from Louisiana State. Capps threw 95 mph in high school but has taken a little off his fastball as a pro, finding better control at 91-93. He has outstanding command for a young pitcher and consistently throws his curveball and changeup for strikes. He also uses an occasional slider. Capps is an outstanding competitor who never gives in and isn't averse to backing hitters off the plate. The next logical step for him would be Short-season Williamsport, but his poise and command will get him a ticket to Class A Hickory to start 2004. The Pirates won't rush Capps, but he could force his way into the major league picture by 2007 and be an innings-eating mainstay.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Capps, a converted catcher, was compared to Johnson. They have similar stuff and posted comparable numbers for the Northern Division champion Pirates. "Their velocity is very similar and they both have decent curves and changeups," Huyke said. "The biggest difference is in their arm angles. Capps is a little more over the top, while Johnson is more low three-quarters." Capps also throws a touch slower than Johnson. He can throw four pitches for strikes, and an outstanding changeup is his best pitch.
