Mike McCardell Stats & Scouting Report

IP	454
ERA	4.084
WHIP	1.238
BB/9	2.2
SO/9	7.414

Full name Michael McCardell
Born 04/13/1985 in West Chester, PA
Profile Ht.: 6'5" / Wt.: 220 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Kutztown
Drafted in the 6th round (212th overall) by the Minnesota Twins in 2007 (signed for $75,000).

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Division II Kutztown rolled off a 49-5 regular season record and earned a berth in the Division II World Series, and senior righthander Mike McCardell was a major reason. He was lights-out at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference tournament, flashing a low-90s fastball and pinpoint control. McCardell allowed just 36 hits with 79 strikeouts and 10 walks in 59 innings, and with a 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame and athleticism--he also batted .344/.413/.492 as an infielder--he could be taken as high as the ninth or 10th round.

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McCardell gives the Twins yet another pitchability righthander, and he has a plus offering in his curveball, one of the best in the system. He added another solid offspeed pitch by throwing his changeup a mandated 10 percent of the time this year, and it made significant progress to become a solid-average weapon. A college third baseman who also pitched for NCAA Division II power Kutztown (Pa.), McCardell offers projection despite being 23 due to a good frame and clean, easy arm action. He wore down in his first year as a full-time pitcher in a full-season league, missing time with bone spurs in his elbow in late April and early May. Fatigue caused him to occasionally fly open with a shoulder and drag his arm behind, causing his fastball velocity to dip. He touched 90 and sat in the upper 80s most of the season after reaching 93 in 2007. With his size, solid delivery and increased experience, the Twins expect his fastball to maintain average velocity in the future. More strength and stamina also would add power to his curve, which at times can get soft. A solid athlete, McCardell competes well and earns plaudits for his toughness. He'll head to high Class A and help David Bromberg anchor the Fort Myers rotation in 2009.
Area scout John Wilson had seen McCardell as a closer and standout defensive third baseman for Division II power Kutztown (Pa.), but his interest was piqued when McCardell moved into the Golden Bears' rotation late in 2007. Hedidn't play as much third base as a senior, either, and his velocity jumped into the low 90s, peaking with an outstanding playoff start in which he struck out 13 against Slippery Rock (Pa.). After signing for $75,000 as fifth-round pick, he posted a stunning 102-9 K-BB ratio (including a playoff start). While he signed as a college senior and was old for Rookie ball, McCardell has the Twins thinking he's legitimate. He's athletic and has a pitcher's frame, with excellent control of his fastball. His best pitch is an outstanding curveball, one he can throw for strikes or bury as a chase pitch, and he uses an unusual grip that makes it tougher for hitters to identify. He's learning a changeup. McCardell has to prove his debut was no fluke while adjusting to a full season as a starter. His fastball/curveball combo profiles him as at least a setup man right now. He's expected to get on the fast track and jump to high Class A.

Minor League Top Prospects

McCardell led Kutztown (Pa.) to the Division II College World Series as a two-way star in the spring, doubling as a first baseman and righthander. The Twins took him in the sixth round as a pitcher, and he overmatched Appy hitters all summer. He average 14 strikeouts per nine innings and limited opponents to a .179 average during the regular season, then won the clincher in the playoffs with six shutout innings. His age and experience were factors, but he has legitimate stuff. McCardell has a strong 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame and an 89-92 mph fastball with late movement. His command is more impressive than his secondary pitches, which play up because of his ability to locate them. He repeats his high three-quarters delivery well for a big man who didn't concentrate on pitching full-time as an amateur.