Dennis Sarfate
| IP | 119 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.538 |
| WHIP | 1.496 |
| BB/9 | 6.126 |
| SO/9 | 9.908 |
- Full name Dennis Scott Sarfate
- Born 04/09/1981 in Queens, NY
- Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Chandler-Gilbert CC
- Debut 09/03/2006
-
Drafted in the 9th round (268th overall) by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2001.
View Draft Report
A 15th-round pick out of an Arizona high school in 1999, Sarfate pitched just eight innings as an Arizona State freshman. When he found out in the fall he would be used sparingly again in 2001, he transferred to nearby Chandler Gilbert CC. Sarfate had a dominating spring with a fastball that was consistently in the 90s and topped out at 95 mph. His second and third pitches need work, but a live arm, sound mechanics and a good mound presence all translate to a pitching prospect with a good upside.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
Sarfate finally found his niche in the bullpen, and now he's hoping he has found an organization that has a role for him. After coming up through the Brewers system, he was sold to the Astros in September and made seven appearances in Houston, giving up one run. The Astros then included him in the fiveplayer package they used to acquire Miguel Tejada in December. Sarfate's professional future became much brighter when he moved into a full-time relief role in 2006. He could focus solely on his 93-96 mph fastball and power slider, and no longer had to worry about his curveball or changeup. Some scouts have seen his fastball up to 100 mph, and when he commands both his fastball and slider, he can be untouchable. His slider breaks down more than most, with three-quarter tilt. Sarfate always had a great arm, big frame and easy motion, but showed little feel for pitching as a starter, and he has been much more confident in relief. The Brewers didn't trust his command enough to throw Sarfate into a pennant race last season, but Baltimore should give him ample opportunity to work out the kinks in the big league bullpen in 2008. -
Sarfate climbed the ladder as a starter, showing durability by averaging 25 starts and more than 130 innings in each of the three seasons after elbow surgery limited him in 2002. His inability to develop a reliable offspeed pitch to complement his 93-96 mph fastball and solid slider finally led him to the bullpen last year in Triple-A. Sarfate was excited about the shift, bought into it and prospered, with some impressive outings for the Brewers in September. He has a free-and-easy arm action and pitches up in the strike zone frequently, and isn't afraid to come inside on hitters and back them off the plate. Still erratic with his fastball command during stretches, Sarfate should benefit from the sharper focus of short relief. He never had much confidence in his changeup and doesn't have to worry about throwing it anymore, leaving his substandard curve, which has its moments, as his second pitch. Scouts thought for a long time that he profiled as a power reliever. Sarfate, who threw well both in the Arizona Fall League and the winter Mexican Pacific League, will compete for a bullpen role in the spring, and likely contribute at some point in 2007. His large physical frame is well equipped for multiple-inning appearances and durable enough to bounce back on consecutive nights. -
Sarfate has had an uneven pro career, but with his power stuff, a spot in the big league bullpen isn't far away. He hasn't missed a turn in the rotation since having elbow surgery in 2002. Sarfate continued to hone his repertoire last year, focusing on a spike curveball and changeup while shedding his slider. His fastball is among the best in the organization, touching 97 mph and sitting at 92-94 with life. He pitches inside with his fastball relentlessly, daring hitters to try to turn on it, and probably would do well to learn to throw it to the outer half more often. When he leaves his heater over the plate, he tends to get punished. Sarfate's secondary stuff is mediocre at best, and he doesn't throw his curve or changeup with much conviction. None of his three pitches finds the strike zone enough. Scouts believe he profiles best as a power reliever, but if Sarfate improves either of his secondary offerings, he could challenge for Milwaukee's No. 5 starter's job in 2006. Otherwise, he'll get a full taste of Triple-A. -
After taking a big step forward in 2003, Sarfate took a big step back last year for one simple reason: He couldn't throw strikes. While his control wasn't sterling in low Class A, it declined in Double-A, and against better hitters he was far more vulnerable when he couldn't locate his pitches. With a heavy fastball in the 91-95 mph range, he became too consumed with radar-gun readings and overthrew, getting his mechanics out of whack. Sarfate finally settled in and pitched better in August. With his above-average fastball, a sharp slider and decent changeup, he has the pitches to succeed. But unlike 2003, when he clicked off 11 victories in a row to end the season, his confidence waned when he struggled. His command was absent again in the Arizona Fall League, where he walked 17 in 22 innings and hit 98 mph with his fastball. Considering Sarfate skipped high Class A, there's no reason to push him to Triple-A yet. If he can't find the strike zone more consistently, he may be converted to a late-inning reliever. -
No pitcher in the organization boosted his stock more in 2003 than Sarfate, who had a breakthrough season in low Class A. He won his final 11 decisions, including both of his starts in the Midwest League playoffs. "He always had a good arm," scouting director Jack Zduriencik said, "but he really grew up as a pitcher." He responded well to coaching, started to mix his pitches and set hitters up, and developed into a strikeout pitcher. Sarfate has a heavy fastball in the 91-96 mph range, a sharp slider and a deceptive changeup. His confidence soared when he started clicking off victories. He does overthrow at times, and he must develop more consistency with his breaking ball and more belief in his changeup. He also needs to cut down on his walks and keeping his pitches off the fat part of the plate. Sarfate has an aggressive nature that would suit him well as a closer if he can't put together the whole package of three pitches. He probably will begin 2004 in Double-A.
Minor League Top Prospects
-
After pitching just 38 innings in his first two pro seasons, Sarfate was able to do what teammates Parra and Wilhelmsen could not: hold up physically for the entire season. He also showcased a 91-96 mph fastball that had heavy life when he stayed on top of it. As with many young pitchers blessed with good velocity, Sarfate tends to overthrow. He needs to learn that location matters more than radar-gun readings. How well he refines his inconsistent curveball and learns to count on his changeup will determine if his future is as a starter or closer. His aggressive nature would help him in the latter role.
