Pat Strange

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked New York Mets #24 prospect in 2004
  A year ago, Strange was thought to be ready for the majors. Instead he struggled through his worst season. Strange's stuff didn't really go away, as he still has a 91-94 mph fastball, an average slider and a good changeup. But his command deserted him. He doesn't maintain his arm slot and worked way too many deep counts last year. His maximum-effort delivery might mean he fits better as a reliever than as a starter, and he was demoted to the Triple-A bullpen last July. Strange has refined his changeup, as what once was almost a curveball has become a more conventional change with good sink. Despite his struggles, he should get a shot to win a spot in the Mets' bullpen this spring.
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  Ranked New York Mets #7 prospect in 2003
  Strange has reached double figures in wins in each of his four full pro seasons, including 14 in 2000, when he was the Mets' minor league pitcher of the year. Last year, he tied for the Norfolk lead in victories and strikeouts before making an impressive major league debut in September. Strange has solid overall stuff, with the size and stamina to be a workhorse. When at his best, he keeps the ball down in the strike zone with a 91-94 mph sinker. He can throw his plus changeup in any count. His command is another asset. Despite his size and the quality of his pitches, Strange can be more of a finesse pitcher than a strikeout pitcher. His mechanics are inconsistent and have hurt the development of his breaking ball. His maximum-effort delivery raises health concerns. Strange has thrown more than 140 innings in the last four seasons, including a career-high 173 last year. A starter for most of his career, he did an excellent job out of the bullpen in New York. He'll be a strong candidate to make the big league staff this spring.
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  Ranked New York Mets #3 prospect in 2002
  The Mets' 2000 minor league pitcher of the year, Strange was more hittable in his second stint in Double-A. He made progress after raising his arm angle to a three-quarters slot. Strange is a sinkerball pitcher who succeeds when he keeps his pitches down in the strike zone. His fastball is clocked consistently at 91-94 mph, and he has impressive command of his changeup. At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, he is a potential workhorse. Comparisons to former Mets prospect Bill Pulsipher continue for Strange, in part because of his inconsistent mechanics. Though his violent arm action hasn't led to any injuries to date, some scouts fear he could get hurt unless he makes adjustments. His breaking ball isn't as good as his other two pitches. It's easy to forget Strange didn't celebrate his 21st birthday until the end of the 2001 season. He broke his ankle in the Arizona Fall League, but he'll be invited to big league spring training and is expected to make his major league debut at some point in 2002.
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  Ranked New York Mets #2 prospect in 2001
  The organization's minor league pitcher of the year, Strange has advanced faster than expected for a New Englander who didn't get a full year of baseball until 1999. He is durable and shows no signs of the loss in velocity that dropped him out of the first round of the 1998 draft. Strange has a nice feel for his offspeed stuff. His best pitch might be a changeup that he cuts a little, giving it the appearance of a slider when it feeds off his fastball. When he stays on top of his pitches, he has heavy sink on his 91-94 mph fastball and excellent control. He loves to have the ball late in the game. Compared to Bill Pulsipher because of how quickly he tackled Double-A, Strange already was considered a righthanded Pulsipher because of concerns about his mechanics. The Mets think Strange will overcome his inconsistent delivery, but his motion is something he'll always battle. An exception in the organization's philosophy, he doesn't throw a curveball. His slider needs improvement. Look for Strange to start 2001 back in Double-A, with an excellent chance at a taste of Triple-A by the halfway mark.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Florida State League #6 prospect in 2000
  Strange probably would have been a first-round pick in 1998 if his velocity hadn't dropped in his senior year of high school. He appears to be completely over that now, dominating the FSL before a promotion to Double-A. Strange throws a heavy, 91-94 mph fastball with a lot of late movement. He's very deceptive and has the makings of great complementary pitches as well. He throws a slider that still needs work and two changeups, including one that has slider-like movement. Bringing the package together is Strange's understanding of pitching and bulldog approach. "He's the king of the throne out there," Daytona manager Richie Zisk said, "and you're not going to knock him off."

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #63 prospect in 2001
• Ranked Baseball America's #78 prospect in 2000

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Strange probably would have been a first-round pick in 1998 if his velocity hadn't dropped in his senior year of high school. He appears to be completely over that now, dominating the FSL before a promotion to Double-A. Strange throws a heavy, 91-94 mph fastball with a lot of late movement. He's very deceptive and has the makings of great complementary pitches as well. He throws a slider that still needs work and two changeups, including one that has slider-like movement. Bringing the package together is Strange's understanding of pitching and bulldog approach. "He's the king of the throne out there," Daytona manager Richie Zisk said, "and you're not going to knock him off."