Eric Haberer
| IP | 491 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 3.923 |
| WHIP | 1.424 |
| BB/9 | 3.721 |
| SO/9 | 5.169 |
- Full name Eric Michael Haberer
- Born 09/14/1982 in Bloomington, IL
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- School Southern Illinois
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Drafted in the 3rd round (90th overall) by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2004 (signed for $422,500).
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Southern Illinois planned to use Haberer as its closer this spring, but moved him into the rotation after losing its first nine games. Haberer outpitched Notre Dame's Chris Niesel in his first two starts and swiftly established himself as the state's top prospect. He has the best arm strength among Illinois' quality college southpaws, pitching at 89-93 mph with good life and sink. Haberer throws two types of breaking balls, with his slider more effective than his curveball, and has a changeup he should use more often. With a fastball/slider mix and 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame that are reminiscent of Mike Stanton's, Haberer projects as a late-inning lefty reliever.
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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If Southern Illinois hadn't been in desperate need of a starter in 2004, St. Louis might not have found one of its most intriguing starting pitching prospects. Haberer had pitched in relief before that season, and his one-pitch repertoire would have driven him straight to the bullpen as a pro. But like the Salukis, the Cardinals gave him a shot to start and he has taken to it. Haberer always has had an effective fastball, throwing it around 90 mph with heavy sink and late life that induces a lot of groundballs. Improved fastball command was the first step to his success, as he delivers quality strikes now instead of just throwing it down the middle. He has also shown aptitude for a changeup and curveball. The changeup is his second- best pitch, while his curveball is currently below average now but showed significant improvement as the season went on. To remain a starter, Haberer will have to refine his command of his secondary pitches as he has with his fastball. He could be an effective lefty specialist if starting doesn't work out, but the early returns are promising. He'll try to win a job in the Double-A rotation during spring training. -
Haberer was slated to be a closer at Southern Illinois in 2004, but he moved into the rotation after the Salukis lost their first nine games and quickly established himself as the best draft prospect in the state. He didn't put up great numbers after signing for $422,500, but his arm strength impressed the Cardinals and earned him a promotion to short-season New Jersey so he could face more advanced hitters. He threw consistently at 92 mph with good life on his fastball and good command. He uses both a slider and curveball at this point, and St. Louis will try to get him to settle on one breaking ball this season. He shows feel for a changeup, leading the Cardinals to believe he can make it as a starter. Haberer earned comparisons to Mike Stanton in college, but he'll get every opportunity to stay in the rotation. He'll open his first full season in low Class A but could move quickly.
