Will Ohman

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Chicago Cubs #17 prospect in 2005
  Ohman broke into the majors in September 2000, but he blew out his elbow pitching winter ball in Mexico after the 2001 season, and missed the next two seasons following Tommy John surgery. He was released in October 2003, re-signed last February and, outside of a month on the disabled list with elbow soreness, blew away hitters all year. He finished second among Pacific Coast League relievers with 12.9 strikeouts per nine innings and was even tougher during the Mexican winter season, posting a 0.90 ERA with 30 whiffs in 20 innings. Like many Tommy John survivors, Ohman throws harder than he did before the operation, pitching at 91-95 mph after maxing out at 92 in the past. He also has a nasty slider with downward tilt. His biggest weakness is a propensity for pitching up in the zone, and he also could throw a few more strikes. Chicago is looking for a second bullpen lefty, and Ohman is an early favorite to win the job out of spring training.
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  Ranked Chicago Cubs #25 prospect in 2001
  Ohman is the best prospect among three relievers who helped West Tenn win the Southern League championship and could shore up the Chicago bullpen in 2001. An all-state kicker as a Colorado high schooler, Ohman focused on baseball at Pepperdine. He has lowered his ERA each time he moved up the minor league ladder. He throws a 91-92 mph sinker and a plus curveball from a three-quarters angle that makes him tough on lefthanders. His command can get spotty at times, though he helps himself by pitching low in the strike zone. Ohman has a fan in Cubs manager Don Baylor, who was impressed by his fearlessness. Ohman didn't allow a run in his first five big league appearances, highlighted by a called strikeout of Phillies star Bob Abreu on a 3-2 curve. Ohman got rocked to the tune of a 10.20 ERA in the Arizona Fall League, but Chicago attributes that to him being worn out after a long season.