Jermaine Van Buren

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #21 prospect in 2006
  When the Cubs found themselves needing to clear a spot on their 40-man roster in December, they traded Van Buren to the Red Sox for fringe outfield prospect Matt Ciaramella. Van Buren made his big league debut in August, completing a circuitous trek that began when the Rockies drafted him in the second round out of high school seven years earlier. He led the Rookie-level Arizona League in ERA and strikeouts in his 1998 pro debut, but he couldn't get past low Class A before the Rockies released him in March 2003. He spent that season in the independent Central League before hooking up with Chicago. He led the Cubs system in saves in both 2004 and 2005. His slider is his best pitch, and he locates his 90-92 mph fastball well. He also has a changeup and the confidence to throw any pitch in any count. There is some effort to Van Buren's delivery, which can affect his command, and he wasn't aggressive enough during his brief time in the majors. After posting the second-worst bullpen ERA (5.15) in the majors last year, Boston is reworking its relief corps. Van Buren will get a look in spring training but likely will open 2006 in Triple-A.
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  Ranked Chicago Cubs #25 prospect in 2005
  A Rockies second-round pick in 1998, Van Buren led the Arizona League in ERA and strikeouts during his pro debut. But he couldn't get past low Class A, earning him his release in March 2003. He spent a year in the independent Central League, after which Cubs special assistant Gary Hughes (who worked for Colorado in 1999) recommended signing him. He rewarded the Cubs with a system-best 22 saves last year--his first full season in the bullpen--and finished second among minor league relievers in opponent average (.154). Before he got tired late in the season, Van Buren showed explosive stuff at times. Both his 91-93 mph fastball and his slider can be plus pitches, though he needs to improve his consistency when working on back-to-back nights. He also has to throw more strikes, and the effort in his delivery sometimes affects his control. Though he was running on fumes at the end of the year, Van Buren continued to compete well in Triple-A. He'll return there this year and could make his major league debut in the second half.
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  Ranked Colorado Rockies #3 prospect in 1999
  Background: Van Buren led Hattiesburg High to back-to-back Mississippi championships, going 13-0 his senior season. He didn't slow down in his pro debut, winning the Arizona League triple crown by leading the league in ERA and strikeouts and tying for tops in wins. Strengths: Van Buren is a durable pitcher who showed the ability to maintain his velocity. He has a great feel for three pitches, particularly for a young pitcher. His fastball is a solid 91-94 mph and he has a sharp downward break on his curveball. Weaknesses: Van Buren's changeup is definitely his third pitch, and he needs to continue to develop it. The biggest challenge, though, will be staying healthy. He's a thick-hipped righthander with an unorthodox delivery. He does have decent arm action, even if it isn't pretty. The Future: Van Buren will jump to Class A Asheville, and with his assortment of pitches and aggressiveness he has a chance to move quickly.