Drafted in the 13th round (404th overall) by the New York Mets in 2008.
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Shaw had underwhelming numbers at Illinois, including a 4-4, 7.83 record his final season, dropping his draft stock. But scout Scott Trcka was impressed with Shaw's raw ability, much like the Mets saw potential in Bobby Parnell despite lackluster numbers at Charleston Southern. Shaw did have success in wood-bat summer leagues during college, and Trcka signed him for $30,000. With a superior breaking ball to Dillon Gee, but comparable in terms of being a competitor, Shaw does a solid job mixing what are considered average pitches (fastball, slider, curveball, changeup) and throws strikes. With a big-bodied, strong frame, he may have more left in the tank. His fastball sat at 88-89 mph in Brooklyn, but regularly registered 90 mph in Hawaii Winter Baseball and can reach 92-93 mph. Shaw, who has indicated he overthrew in college trying to impress scouts, has retooled his slider since turning pro and consistently repeats his motion. He used to get college batters to chase the slider by throwing it wide, but professional hitters lay off it, so he's now done a better job of vertically using the strike zone. Scouts in HWB considered him the best of the Mets' contingent in the league, though he'll have to command his fastball better if he doesn't add velocity to it. After he pitched more than 100 innings between Brooklyn and Hawaii, Shaw's arm should be ready for a full season of pro ball. He'll spend 2009 in high Class A.
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