Blaine Neal

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Miami Marlins #8 prospect in 2003
  Signed for $350,000, Neal developed slowly because of elbow problems in his first two years as a pro. The Marlins tried him at first base without success and nearly released him after the 1998 season. After arthroscopic surgery to remove several bone spurs and shave down part of a bone to relieve pressure on a nerve, Neal hasn't looked back. Neal employs a fastball that touches 98 mph and stays at 93-95 with late movement. He has a short, tight slider and a strong pitcher's frame with wide back muscles. His arm bounces back well and he's a ferocious competitor. Neal's delivery is somewhat stiff and he overthrows his fastball at times. There's still some doubt whether Neal projects as a full-fledged closer or a two-inning set-up man. If nothing else, Neal got a chance to work on his frequent- flier account last season. He had four separate stints with the Marlins, going back and forth on the shuttle to Calgary. He pitched well at both places, showing enough potential to earn a full shot in a set-up role this year.
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  Ranked Miami Marlins #8 prospect in 2002
  Neal was hampered by mysterious elbow problems his first two pro seasons. The Marlins tried him at first base, and he flopped there as well. Nearly released after the 1998 season, he had arthroscopic surgery to remove several bone spurs and shave down part of a bone to relieve pressure on a nerve. That led to his re-emergence as a pitcher. Neal comes right at hitters with a fastball that has touched 98 mph and sits at 93-95 mph with late movement. He has a short, quick curveball and a strong pitcher's frame with wide back muscles reminiscent of Goose Gossage. He has a smooth, easy delivery and a ferocious competitive streak. His demeanor hints at success as a future big league closer. Neal's fastball can get too straight, and some wonder if he has anything nasty enough to close games. He sometimes doesn't use his lower half, elevating his pitches and giving hitters a clear look. Neal struggled during his first September callup, but he'll be given every opportunity to make the back end of the bullpen in spring training.
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  Ranked Miami Marlins #7 prospect in 2001
  Neal languished with elbow problems through his first two pro seasons, working just 52 innings before the Marlins opted to give him a last chance as a first baseman. Despite his large frame and smooth stroke, he flopped at the plate as well. Surgery to remove bone spurs and other debris in his throwing elbow at the end of the 1998 season led to his re-emergence as a pitching prospect. Neal comes at hitters with a fastball that has touched 97 mph and stays at 95-96 with late movement. Before surgery he topped out at 92 mph. Despite his bulk he has a smooth and easy delivery. His stone-faced mound demeanor is a plus for a future closer as well. Despite having five pro seasons under his belt, he remains relatively inexperienced. Grooming him as a reliever has given him less time to work out the rough spots. His curveball and changeup still need improvement. He tends to be too mechanical with the curve, dropping his arm and getting under the pitch. After tasting more success in the Arizona Fall League, Neal should reach Triple-A this year. He soon could become the heir apparent to big league closer Antonio Alfonseca.