Denny Stark Stats & Scouting Report

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For the Rockies, Stark was the key player among the three they received when they traded Jeff Cirillo to the Mariners in December. Stark's 2001 season was the best of his six as a pro, as he was the Triple-A Pacific Coast League's pitcher of the year and led the league in wins and ERA. It also marked just the second time in five full seasons that he was able to stay healthy for the entire year. Stark throws two-seam and four-seam fastballs, achieving sink with the former and touching 94 mph with the latter. He also throws a hard breaking ball and a changeup, and is at his best when he mixes his pitches. His control was markedly improved in 2001, another key to his success. Stark's health has been in question for much of his career. He had a stress fracture in his arm in 1998 and a torn labrum in 2000. Those problems appear behind him, but he still hasn't established himself in the majors at age 27. His biggest need now is to refine his changeup. Stark will compete for a rotation spot in spring training. His upside is as a third or fourth starter.

Stark was regarded as a prospect before injuries hit in 1998 and limited him that season and again in 2000. He finally had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder last June. He rejuvenated his career in 2001, earning PCL pitcher-of-the-year honors and getting called up to Seattle in June and again in September. "He's been unbelievable this season," Rohn said. "For him to be throwing this well coming off surgery is amazing." Stark has slightly above-average stuff and has success when he spots and mixes his pitches. He has two fastballs and a curveball, and his changeup still needs work. He profiles as a No. 3 or 4 starter.