Ian Gardeck
| IP | 190 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.074 |
| WHIP | 1.342 |
| BB/9 | 4.926 |
| SO/9 | 10.942 |
- Full name Ian James Gardeck
- Born 11/21/1990 in Park Ridge, IL
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 230 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Alabama
-
Drafted in the 16th round (508th overall) by the San Francisco Giants in 2012.
View Draft Report
The University of Alabama's top prospect was supposed to be Gardeck, a juco transfer and unsigned eighth-round pick of the White Sox last June. His fastball has reached 98 mph and he's flashed a plus-plus slider, but neither of those were in evidence this spring. He was tough to scout as he didn't throw enough strikes to earn consistent innings for the Crimson Tide, even on a 21-34 team. He threw just 12 innings, walking 12 and striking out 16, and got just seven outs in Southeastern Conference play while walking four.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
The Giants' trust in their player-development department allows them to take chances on pitchers like Gardeck and eventually see a payoff. Considered one of the better arms in the 2011 and 2012 drafts, he was considered nearly undraftable because he didn't throw enough strikes to even get on the mound. For example, he walked 12 batters in 12 innings as a junior at Alabama in 2012, when the Giants made him a 16th-round pick. A stout, barrel-chested righthander, Gardeck was just as wild in his first three years as a pro, but he took a big stride at high Class A San Jose in 2015, striking out 10.8 and walking 2.5 batters per nine innings. His delivery still is long in the back, and his quick arm still works to catch up to his lower half, but he realized that he can still bump the upper 90s with less effort. He also showed improved focus. Gardeck has touched 100 mph at his best. His double-plus fastball and plus, 87-89 mph slider give him a pair of weapons now that he can locate them. Added to the 40-man roster in November, Gardeck could move quickly if he can maintain his newfound average control. Next stop: Double-A Richmond.
