Josh Hancock

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #18 prospect in 2004
  The Red Sox wanted Jeremy Giambi and his high on-base percentage, so they sent Hancock to the Phillies at the 2002 Winter Meetings. But as he had in Philadelphia, Giambi fell out of favor quickly in Boston and never made any real impact. Hancock, on the other hand, enjoyed a solid Triple-A season and will compete for the Phillies' No. 5 starter's role this season. It appears to be Ryan Madson's job to lose, but Hancock is more than capable. He shows average stuff across the board, but can boost his fastball from 91 mph to 94 when he needs it. Hancock's curveball and changeup still lack consistency, but at his best, he locates all three pitches on both sides of the plate. He has shown his tough nature over the last two seasons as he's battled back from injury. He returned a month early after a line drive broke his jaw in June 2002, and also healed rapidly after surgery in December 2002 to repair a small tear in his pelvic wall. If the major league pitching staff shakes out the way Phillies executives hope, Hancock will spend his third straight season in Triple-A. But he'll be a nice insurance policy or trade bait.
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  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #21 prospect in 2003
  Hancock came from the Red Sox in a Winter Meetings trade for Jeremy Giambi, who became expendable once the Phillies signed Jim Thome. Hancock is probably best known for getting the Pedro Martinez stamp of approval. Martinez skipped his last start of the 2002 season, nominating Hancock to replace him. He was as close to major league-ready as any pitcher in the Boston system, but his chances of making Philadelphia's Opening Day roster were diminished by his November surgery to repair a small tear in his pelvic wall. He should be able to bounce back, however. Hancock had his jaw broken by a line drive last June but returned after a month, cutting his expected recovery time in half. He doesn't have a true out pitch, but all three of his pitches are above-average at times. He commands his 91-94 mph fastball to both sides of the plate, and he also throws a curveball and changeup. Hancock just needs to show greater consistency with his secondary pitches. He throws across his body a little bit, but the Red Sox never thought his delivery would lead to injury. Hancock pitched well in three major league appearances in September and could join the Phillies bullpen at some point in 2003. He should be able to pitch in games by the end of March. Down the road, he could get a chance to crack the back end of the rotation.
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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #27 prospect in 2002
  In the 1998 draft, the Red Sox selected but failed to sign third baseman Mark Teixeria (the No. 5 overall pick by the Rangers last June), lefthander Lenny DiNardo (the Mets' 2001 third-rounder) and catcher Mike Rabelo (the Tigers' 2001 fourth-rounder). Boston's best hope for getting a homegrown player out of that draft crop is now Hancock, who was added to the 40-man roster for the first time in November. He has a big, strong build and a big, strong fastball that tops out at 94 mph. He challenges hitters and likes to bust righthanders inside. He throws across his body, which concerns scouts, and doesn't repeat his arm slot with his secondary pitches. His curveball is a solid average pitch at times but regresses to a slurve at others. His changeup is merely decent. He'll need to do a better job of missing bats and controlling his emotions. Hancock strained his groin in late August, which limited him to two innings in the Arizona Fall League. He'll move up to Triple-A at some point this year.