Eric Fowler
| IP | 280 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.211 |
| WHIP | 1.432 |
| BB/9 | 2.893 |
| SO/9 | 6.911 |
- Full name Jonathan Eric Fowler
- Born 03/18/1983 in Duck Hill, MS
- Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 220 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- School Mississippi
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Drafted in the 5th round (146th overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2005 (signed for $182,500).
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Mississippi's strong season was built on more than just four players. LHP Eric Fowler was a member of the rotation all season and has solid-average stuff that should get him drafted on the first day. Fowler's velocity improved from the mid-80s to the upper 80s this season. His slider comes and goes, and when it's on he can be a strikeout pitcher. He hasn't responded well to past moves to the bullpen, though that's what scouts consider his better future role.
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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Fowler was the fifth of five Ole Miss players to go in the top five rounds of the 2005 draft, a group that includes Blue Jays outfielder Brian Pettway. Fowler had no trouble in his debut and didn't miss a beat when he skipped a level and went to high Class A last season, finishing 10th in the Florida State League with a 3.74 ERA. Fowler is a three-pitch lefthander who has made strides with his fastball command. While he won't blow anybody away with his 88-91 mph velocity, he locates his fastball to both sides of the plate and gets groundballs with its plus sink. Fastball command is key for Fowler, who needs it to set up his sharp curveball, his out pitch. He has a fluid, repeatable delivery. To combat righthanders at higher levels, he'll need to continue improving his average changeup. As far as Fowler came with his fastball command this season, he'll need to take it a step further by throwing more strikes early in the count. He's ready for Double-A and profiles as either a back-end starter or a middle reliever. -
A teammate of Brian Pettway's at Mississippi, Fowler was the fifth of five Rebels to go in the first five rounds of the 2005 draft. A fifth-rounder who signed for $182,500, he has a down-breaking curveball that's already a major league pitch. He backs up his curve by using a quick arm action to throw an 88-91 mph fastball, which he locates down in the zone. Fowler's fastball is deceptive in that it looks faster than its velocity and has late life, running in on lefties. His changeup is average at times but remains a work in progress. He'll have to get stronger after tiring down the stretch at short-season Auburn, which affected his control. He'll have to refine his command and maybe add a slider, but otherwise the Blue Jays are pleased with his progress and think he mainly needs experience. He may make a two-level jump to high Class A this year.
