Jon Coutlangus

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #22 prospect in 2007
  The Giants drafted Coutlangus as an outfielder, but player-development chief Dick Tidrow always hoped to move him to the mound. After he batted .194 in low Class A in 2004, Tidrow got his wish. Coutlangus quickly showed a feel for pitching, even though he hadn't done it since high school. As a good natural athlete, he repeats his delivery well. The Reds claimed him off waivers when the Giants dropped him from their 40-man roster to add non-roster invitee Jamey Wright to the major league roster. He quickly proved to be a nice pickup: he features an 87-91 mph fastball that plays up a little bit because of his funky delivery that makes it hard for hitters to pick up the ball. Coutlangus profiles as a lefty who can be more then a specialist as he's also effective against righthanders thanks to a cutter that he can bust in on their hands. He also throws a sweeping slider that could be a plus pitch because he commands it so well. He occasionally throws a below-average changeup as well. Coutlangus was one of the surprises of the Arizona Fall League, where he impressed with his feel for pitching. He's ticketed for Triple-A, but he's not far away from helping out the Reds bullpen.
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  Ranked San Francisco Giants #20 prospect in 2006
  Coutlangus hadn't pitched since high school but always showed above-average arm strength as an above-average defender in center field. When the Giants moved him to the mound after he hit .194 in 2004, he began a quick ascent and earned a spot on the 40-man roster after the 2005 season. Coutlangus hit well in his pro debut but San Francisco didn't hesitate to make him a pitcher once he struggled at the plate, having considered the position change since signing him. His athleticism and raw arm strength helped him take to the new role. At his best last year, Coutlangus threw his fastball at 90-92 mph, though his velocity diminished as the workload got to him. He was able to pound the strike zone and wasn't afraid to pitch inside. Considering his inexperience, he had good command of his fastball, not only throwing it for strikes but also keeping it down. He tightened the slurvy breaking ball he had taught himself into a sweepy slider under the tutelage of San Jose pitching coach Trevor Wilson, and added a cutter. He still has plenty to learn about pitching and may need to cut down his repertoire, which also includes a curveball and changeup. Coutlangus will pitch in Double-A in 2006.