Drew Naylor

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #13 prospect in 2009
  The Phillies have made several forays into Australia of late, with Brad Harman reaching the majors last season. Catcher Joel Naughton and Naylor--teammates back in Queensland in Australia--joined Harman on the 40- man roster this fall. Naylor has asserted himself as the top Aussie prospect, thanks to his combination of size, stuff and accomplishment. Naylor has a big body and ranked 11th in the minors in strikeouts with 156, and projects as a mid-rotation starter. His fastball sits average at 88-92 mph, and he works up in the strike zone with it to set up his true 12-to-6 curveball. Those kind of pitchers tend to be homer prone. He's fairly athletic, though, and does a good job of commanding both pitches as well as his much-improved changeup. He was tougher on lefthanders because he keeps his change down in the zone more effectively than his fastball. Naylor was a bit shellshocked when he first got to high Class A but made adjustments, giving up only one homer in his last six starts. He has a good chance to earn a spot on Australia's World Baseball Classic team in the spring before likely making his Double-A debut.
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  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #29 prospect in 2008
  His father Geoff played professional rugby for the Balmain Tigers in Australia for two seasons, and Naylor was more interested in Australian rules football in high school before finally settling on baseball. Naylor pitched in the Australian Summer League in 2005 before making his U.S. debut a year later. He pounds the strike zone with three pitches, beginning with an 88-92 mph fastball that he commands to both sides of the plate. His 12-to-6 curveball grades as average to above-average at times. His biggest area of growth has come with his changeup, which has outstanding depth and fade. He still needs to improve his arm speed on his changeup, however. The Phillies rave about Naylor's body and athleticism, which allow him to repeat his delivery well. He has a strong lower half that he uses to get on top of his pitches and drive downhill. He could be poised for a breakout season in low Class A this year.