Brian Wolfe

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Toronto Blue Jays #16 prospect in 2008
  It took him nine years, three organizations and one Tommy John surgery, but Wolfe finally established himself as a major league reliever. Drafted in 1999, he languished for five years in the Twins system before needing elbow surgery in 2004. He returned in 2005 but was released that May, hooking on with the Brewers for the remainder of that season. The Blue Jays acquired him in the January 2006 trade that sent Corey Koskie to Milwaukee. Wolfe established himself as a key late-inning reliever for Toronto in the second half of 2007, after injuries knocked closer B.J. Ryan and setup man Brandon League out of action. With a cutting fastball he throws up to 96 mph, Wolfe doesn't miss many bats but he does get plenty of mis-hits. He held righthanders to a .130 average, the lowest figure among AL relievers. His curveball is average and he uses it as a change of pace. The curve generates plenty of funny swings by batters looking for his fastball. Because of his poise and his cutter, Wolfe should remain a factor in the big league bullpen.
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  Ranked Minnesota Twins #20 prospect in 2002
  Wolfe was just 19 when he spent his first full season in Quad City in 2000, so his return to the Midwest League last year wasn't considered a setback. He operates with average stuff across the board and started to master the command and control of his three-pitch repertoire in the second half. In August, he tossed a nine-inning no-hitter. Wolfe was more effective after the Twins urged him to be more aggressive with his 88-92 mph fastball. He understands how to locate his fastball, slider and solid changeup. His feel for pitching is advanced for his age. He shouldn't be confused with 29-year-old Bryan Wolff, who pitched for the Twins in Triple-A last year. This Wolfe will move to high Class A this year and advance one level at a time.