Andy Pratt

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #21 prospect in 2004
  The Braves' trade of Ben Kozlowski to the Rangers for Pratt looked lopsided in 2002, when Kozlowski shot from high Class A to the majors. Now it looks like it might play out in Atlanta's favor after Kozlowski needed Tommy John surgery and Pratt had a solid 2003 season in Triple-A. On some nights, Pratt can be as dominating as any lefty in the game, only to come back a start or two later and have difficulty finding the strike zone. The son of Cubs minor league pitching coach Tom Pratt, Andy has added velocity to his fastball, which sits in the 92-93 mph range. His slider, which looks like a cut fastball on occasion, is a plus pitch, while his curveball and changeup are at least average offerings. He just needs more consistency. Though somewhat small for a pitcher, Pratt is a good athlete who is getting stronger. He could arrive in the big leagues for an extended ride in the near future.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #25 prospect in 2003
  The Braves surprised a lot of people last spring when they gave up lefthander Ben Kozlowski to get Pratt, whom the Rangers designated for assignment when they got in a 40-man roster bind. The consensus was that Kozlowski was the better prospect to begin with, and he didn't need to be protected on the 40-man roster. The trade now looks even worse, as Kozlowski blossomed in 2002 and widened the gap between him and Pratt, who lost his first seven decisions in the Atlanta system. Pratt eventually regained his command and eventually received a cup of coffee with Atlanta in September. Pratt is a finesse pitcher who has added velocity in the past year, as his fastball now sits in the low 90s. He also throws a cut fastball, a curveball and a changeup. He does an excellent job of mixing his pitches while painting the outside corners. The Braves aren't sure what his long-term role will be, especially after watching Pratt pitch exceptionally well in Puerto Rico over the winter. He could earn a job in the Atlanta bullpen with an impressive spring, but chances are he'll begin 2003 in the Triple-A rotation.
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  Ranked Texas Rangers #13 prospect in 2002
  Pratt was destined to be a pitcher. His father Tom pitched in the Royals organization and worked as a college pitching coach and major league scout before moving into his current role of minor league pitching coach in the Cubs system. Pratt performs like the son of a pitching coach. He's smart and has a fundamentally sound delivery. He's a classic finesse lefty who's at his best when changing speeds and tempting hitters. Pratt has been able to work the outside corner while still throwing strikes. He can touch 90-91 mph with his fastball, but he fell in love with his cutter last season and suffered for it. He lost command of his curveball and two changeups, and posted a 5.58 ERA in the final two months last season. He did get back on track in the Arizona Fall League. Pratt's pitchability may be unmatched in the system, but he'll need to miss more bats as he heads to Triple-A. He could be an end-of-the-rotation starter in a couple of years.
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  Ranked Texas Rangers #9 prospect in 2001
  Pratt was leading the Class A South Atlantic League in strikeouts in June 1999 when he was shut down with elbow problems that required surgery. He bounced back strong in 2000. His father Tom pitched in the Royals organization, has been a college coach and big league scout and currently is a pitching coach in the Cubs system. Like many young lefthanders, Pratt relies on a changeup. Unlike many young lefthanders, he's willing to come inside with his fastball to keep hitters from sitting on it. Pratt's fastball isn't overpowering, but it's effective when he throws it in. He has good control. He's competitive and has a mound presence that reflects being around the game most of his life. Pratt's fastball and curveball are average at best. When hitters don't chase his changeup off the plate, he gets into trouble. That's what happened to him after he was promoted to Double-A. He needs to add strength to his slight body. If intelligence and guts count for anything, Pratt will do better in his return to Tulsa. He'll have to prove himself at every level.