Matt Ford Stats & Scouting Report

IP	43
ERA	4.395
WHIP	1.558
BB/9	4.395
SO/9	5.442

Full name Matthew Lee Ford
Born 04/08/1981 in Plantation, FL
Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: S / Throws: L
School J.P. Taravella
Debut 04/02/2003
Drafted in the 3rd round (103rd overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1999.

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Matt Ford is a stylish lefthander with an outstanding changeup and a fastball in the 86-88-mph range that tops out at 89.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

The Brewers selected two players in the major league Rule 5 draft, and both Ford and infielder Enrique Cruz have strong chances of sticking with Milwaukee this year. Ford didn't begin his 2002 season until May 7 because of a spring-training illness, but he showed what he could do when healthy by leading the high Class A Florida State League in ERA. Ford's best attributes are an 89-92 mph fastball and the wherewithal to use it. He stopped nibbling last year and attacked hitters with his heater, throwing it to both sides of the plate. He also can throw his curveball and changeup for strikes. Ford has gotten stronger over the last couple of years, allowing him to keep his velocity deeper into games. Though he commands them well, Ford still needs to improve his secondary pitches. His curveball gets slurvy at times. His durability is still in question after last year's illness and previous shoulder problems. Ford was the top lefty in the Blue Jays system, so they'd undoubtedly want him back if he can't stay on the Brewers' roster. He projects as an end-of-the-rotation starter but probably will spend this year as a middle reliever in Milwaukee.
After ranking ninth on this list a year ago--directly ahead of current No. 1 prospect Josh Phelps--Ford was one of the organization's bigger disappointments in 2001. He can regain his standing if he makes progress changing speeds and throwing strikes. Ford has the stuff to move up. His best pitch is a power curveball that he can throw at any point in a count, and an average 87-90 mph fastball with decent life. Ford used his fastball too much last year and got hammered. A demotion and a talk with former assistant GM Dave Stewart convinced him to use his changeup more, especially against lefthanders, and the pitch improved dramatically. Ford gained physical and mental maturity during the year, thanks to an improved work ethic. As his 2001 workload nearly doubled his career total, he stayed healthy except for some minor elbow soreness. The Jays hope Ford just had to take a step back to take two forward. He'll return to high Class A at the beginning of 2002, and a promotion will come quickly if he makes the necessary adjustments.
Ford made a strong debut at Rookie-level Medicine Hat in 1999 and started to pull off an encore with Class A Hagerstown last year. His season ended early, though, when he developed shoulder stiffness in late July. He was back to full health in instructional league and was throwing well again. Ford's success stems from a combination of slightly above-average stuff and a competitive streak that keeps him from giving in to hitters. Ford has an 88-92 mph fastball and a curveball that ranks as one of the best in the Jays system. His changeup has the potential to be a plus pitch. His biggest need is innings, which should give much-needed polish to his changeup. He also needs to prove he can stay healthy. Shutting him down in 2000 was a precaution, whereas an injury this season would be a red flag. A healthy Ford should report to high Class A in 2001. He has a chance to move quickly, though he projects as no better than a No. 3 starter.