Bobby Seay
| IP | 223 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.157 |
| WHIP | 1.372 |
| BB/9 | 3.632 |
| SO/9 | 7.668 |
- Full name Robert Michael Seay
- Born 06/20/1978 in Sarasota, FL
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 235 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- School Sarasota
- Debut 08/14/2001
- Drafted in the 1st round (12th overall) by the Chicago White Sox in 1996.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Lefthanded pitchers with the ability to throw in the low 90s are always in demand, and Tampa Bay's perilous financial situation only adds to Seay's value. Signed for $3 million as a draft loophole free agent in 1996, Seay has yet to experience a breakthrough season, yet remains on the radar screen because he still has potential. The 2002 season represented another disappointment. After reaching the major leagues the year before, Seay developed a sore shoulder in spring training and landed in Double-A, where he was shelved with elbow trouble. He wound up falling short of 100 innings for the fifth time in six minor league seasons. Seay does have two plus pitches in his fastball and curveball, and he's not afraid to challenge hitters. Inconsistent command and a mediocre changeup have stunted his development nearly as much as Seay's inability to stay healthy. While he'll continue to receive serious consideration for the Tampa Bay bullpen, his opportunity to establish himself as a long-term answer is dwindling. -
Seay landed on the disabled list for the sixth time in five professional seasons during 2001, thereby limiting his progress while pitching in Double-A. A draft loophole free agent who signed with much fanfare for $3 million in 1996, he missed a month early in the season with a finger injury before picking up his first win in nearly a year in late July. Despite his difficult campaign, he continues to possess the potential to be a significant contributor in the major leagues. Seay has a low-90s fastball with plus movement, along with an above average curveball. He also uses both sides of the plate and has a bulldog-type tenacity that could lead to success as a late-innings reliever. A lack of overall maturity and a mediocre changeup remain his primary weaknesses. He also must refine his command. A member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic team, Seay needs to stay healthy and learn from his mistakes. He should move up to Triple-A to start this season. -
For the first time in four seasons as a pro, Seay stayed healthy and got much-needed innings. The recipient of a $3 million bonus as a loophole free agent in 1996, he led Double-A Orlando with a career-high 132 innings before earning a spot in Team USA's bullpen for the Olympics. He made just one appearance, recording two key outs in the opening game against Japan without allowing a baserunner. Seay is a fierce competitor with a bulldog mentality. He throws a low-90s fastball with exceptional movement, as well as an above-average curveball. He's not afraid to challenge any hitter. A lack of maturity continues to be the greatest hurdle for Seay. He appears to let his mind wander on the mound, and needs to display a better grasp of how to use his plus stuff to his advantage. An improved changeup will help him become more effective against better competition. With a solid season in Double-A under his belt, Seay should join Standridge, Colome and White to form one of the more promising rotations at the Triple-A level. -
Background: Seay received a $3 million signing bonus from the Devil Rays in 1996 as a loophole free agent. His list of 1998 problems included an impingement in his left forearm, rehab from his fractured foot of 1997 and a stomach problem caused by a chicken bone lodged in his digestive tract. Strengths: Seay's stuff is top of the line. His fastball reaches the mid-90s, his curveball is a potential plus major league pitch and his changeup might be his best overall weapon. Weaknesses: To say that Seay's maturity has been questioned on many occasions wouldn't be stretching it. His "nonconventional" injuries could be a result of bad luck or bad planning. The Devil Rays felt that the progress Seay made in instructional league was more than just with his changeup and mechanics. The Future: After a healthy and productive instructional league, the Devil Rays feel that Seay is only a 160-170 inning season away from challenging for a major league job.
