Zach Quate

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #20 prospect in 2011
  Quate has been nothing short of dominant since signing for $7,500 as a 14th-round pick in 2009. He surrendered only one earned run while going a perfect 13-for-13 in save opportunities in his pro debut, then jumped to high Class A and earned Florida State League all-star honors last year. Quate mixes a hard slider with a 90-91 mph fastball. Hitters have a difficult time laying off the slider because it emerges from the same slot as his fastball. He back-doors his slider most of the time, and all of his pitches are at the knees or below, forcing hitters to hit the ball on the ground. He has outstanding mound presence and the mentality to close games. His greatest need at this point is to pitch inside more consistently. Scouts say he reminds them of Anthony Slama, another unheralded draft pick who made it to the majors as a reliever. Quate will advance to Double-A in 2011, and Tampa Bay won't be far off if he continues to overmatch hitters.