Drafted in the 17th round (508th overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1998.
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Organization Prospect Rankings
Williams hasn't received much recognition but has put up impressive numbers in his short career. He led the minor leagues with 201 strikeouts last year. Williams doesn't rack up strikeouts with pure stuff, instead using movement and deception to confuse hitters. His fastball is average in velocity but an effective pitch because of its good running action. He also hides the ball well in his delivery, making it hard for hitters to pick up his pitches. He does the little things well, including holding runners with a quick pickoff move. Pitchers who post high strikeout totals without a plus fastball in the lower minors tend to struggle as they move up, though, so time will tell if Williams' stuff is good enough to get advanced hitters out. He needs to improve his secondary pitches, a slider and changeup, especially if hitters catch up to his fastball. Williams will open 2001 at Lynchburg or Altoona and could be in the majors by 2003, where he would settle in as a No. 3 or No. 4 starter.
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