- Full name Justin Maureau
- Born
- Profile Throws: L
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Maureau was a seventh-round pick out of high school by the Diamondbacks after a decorated prep career in which he set the Colorado career strikeout record. He continued to be a strikeout pitcher at Wichita State, where he struck out 253 in 221 career innings. Maureau did it with a fastball in the 88-90 mph range, good changeup and one of the best curveballs in college baseball. He brought the same package to the Blue Jays and had a dominant debut as a reliever for Auburn, missing bats consistently and showing excellent command of all three pitches. The biggest questions surrounding Maureau are his future role and his durability. His slight build led even the Shockers to use him out of the bullpen quite a bit as a junior, and he excelled in that role in the Cape Cod League in 2001. Maureau's ability to throw his plus curve, which has excellent depth and bite, for consistent strikes and his lack of durability make him a perfect candidate to be a lefthanded reliever, and he could move quickly in that role. As a lefty with three plus pitches, though, expect Maureau to at least get a chance in a starting role, perhaps in high Class A in his first full pro season.