Drafted in the C-1 round (40th overall) by the Oakland Athletics in 2004 (signed for $800,000).
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No one discusses Street without mentioning the words "heart" or "winner." As a freshman, he saved all four victories as Texas won the 2002 College World Series, and he outdid that performance last summer with the U.S. national team. In the semifinals of the Pan American Games in the Dominican Republic, Street pitched 8 2/3 innings of shutout relief to beat Mexico in a 14-inning classic, finishing with a 94-mph fastball. He didn't allow a run in 29 innings with Team USA. Street missed March with a strained groin and hasn't had his usual unbelievable sink for much of the spring, but he still put up a 1.60 ERA and limited opponents to a .172 average. Street isn't the most physical pitcher at 6 feet and 190 pounds, and neither his 88-92 mph fastball nor his slider are overpowering. But he generates good life on both pitches and spots them so well that he misses bats. He'll need a better changeup to combat pro lefthanders, an adjustment he should be able to make. Clubs that noted the quick arrival in the majors of 2003 first-round relievers Ryan Wagner, Chad Cordero and David Aardsma will be attracted to Street in this year's opening round. The Expos, who took Cordero 20th overall last June, could have some interest in Street at No. 13.
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Street holds the career saves records for Texas, Team USA and the College World Series. After signing for $800,000 on July 15, he was closing games in the Pacific Coast League playoffs by September. One scout who saw him in the Arizona Fall League opined that the A's would have made the playoffs had they promoted him in September. Street pitches mostly at 89-92 mph, but his fastball has heavy sink and he can dial it up to 94 mph when needed. His slider is more notable for its break than its velocity, but it's a major league out pitch. The ultimate competitor, Street has off-the-charts makeup. He won't beat himself with walks. Street doesn't have a classic closer repertoire, leaving some scouts to project him more as a set-up man. He still needs to find a consistent way to retire lefthanders, so the A's had him working on his changeup in the Arizona Fall League. Street could start his first full season as a big league set-up man and could become Oakland's closer in the very near future.
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Rated Best Slider in the Oakland Athletics in 2005
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