C.J. Wilson

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Texas Rangers #14 prospect in 2006
  Wilson missed the entire 2004 season after having Tommy John surgery the previous August, but he came back strong last year. He built himself up by making three- to fiveinning starts in the minors before getting the call to pitch out of the Texas bullpen in early June. In his second big league outing, he struck out Carlos Delgado with a 94-mph fastball. Wilson reminds the Rangers of Neal Cotts, who like Wilson came up through the minors as a starter. Wilson has an 89-94 mph fastball that jumps out of his hand, and he also relies heavily upon an average 80-84 mph slider. He flashes a fading changeup and a mid-70s curveball, but didn't use either pitch much when he pitched in relief. He deals from a quick delivery from a high arm slot, but sometimes his mechanics are actually too quick and he loses his tempo. He's aggressive but needs to improve his command. Wilson's four-pitch mix could enable him to start down the line, but he'll continue to serve as a reliever for the Rangers in 2006.
• 
  Ranked Texas Rangers #16 prospect in 2004
  Wilson likely won't log any meaningful time on a mound until the spring of 2005 thanks to Tommy John surgery last August, but he should regain his status as one of the Rangers' top lefthanders. Wilson is a good athlete with an outstanding work ethic. He went from a 5-foot-2, 103-pound high school freshman to Orange Empire Conference co-player of the year in 2000 at national junior college powerhouse Santa Ana (Calif.). When he's on, he works aggressively with an 88-92 mph fastball that has good natural movement. He battled elbow soreness for much of 2003, costing him velocity and effectiveness at times. Wilson tightened the rotation on his curveball, which shows the makings of a plus pitch, and also improved his control last year. His changeup can be a weapon. A student of the game, he studies hitters' weaknesses and has a natural feel for exploiting them. The Rangers have been pleased with his rehab work, so it's possible he could return sooner than expected.
• 
  Ranked Texas Rangers #8 prospect in 2003
  A two-way player in college, Wilson was the California community college co-player of the year at Santa Ana in 2000. A student of the game, he keeps a notebook on opposing hitters now that he's become a full-time pitcher. He made the high Class A Florida State League's all-star game in his first full season. Wilson has above-average athleticism to go with his thirst for pitching knowledge. The Rangers laud his heart and focus. He knows the value of pitching inside with his 89-91 mph fastball and his changeup, which developed into an efficient out pitch last year. His natural sinker helps keep balls in the park. His breaking pitch, while effective when thrown down in the zone, is still slurvy and could use some tightening. Wilson should do that as he becomes more accustomed to pro ball and pitching. Wilson resembles Mario Ramos in his ability to carve up hitters with a fastball and changeup. Wilson has more juice on his fastball, which could give him a better chance to succeed at higher levels. The Rangers will find out in 2003, which he'll open in Double-A.
• 
  Ranked Texas Rangers #29 prospect in 2002
  Scout Tim Fortugno, a former big league lefthander, relied on the power of projection in convincing the Rangers to draft Wilson with their second pick (fifth round) last June. Wilson's stock suffered after he went 3-9, 6.95 as a junior at Loyola Marymount. He was a two-way player for the Lions, which Fortugno believes hindered his pitching. After signing, Wilson had the best debut of any member of Texas' 2001 draft class, dominating the Appy League before holding his own in low Class A. He threw 91 mph as a pro after sitting at 89 for Loyola Marymount. He also has tight rotation on his curveball, feel for a changeup and the ability to throw strikes. He's a superb athlete who's extremely coachable. Wilson is smart enough to incorporate what he learns in side work into games. He may return to Savannah at the start of this season but could advance in a hurry.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked American League #18 prospect in 2001
  Managers were mixed on their assessment of Wilson. A couple of skippers considered the lefthander one of the top prospects in the circuit, while others were unimpressed because he arrived in Rookie ball from the college ranks. A converted outfielder with little mileage on his left arm, Wilson displayed impressive pitching knowledge despite his lack of experience. He mixes his 90 mph fastball well with his changeup and curveball. Wilson also has solid control and command of all his pitches. "I think he and Ankiel were the best pitchers in the league before C.J. was promoted," Pulaski manager Bruce Crabbe said. "He spots his fastball well, mixes his changeup in well and has a pretty good curveball that needs a little work. Command-wise, he's one of the best first-year lefthanders I've seen."

• December, 2000 Scouting Report
  Managers were mixed on their assessment of Wilson. A couple of skippers considered the lefthander one of the top prospects in the circuit, while others were unimpressed because he arrived in Rookie ball from the college ranks. A converted outfielder with little mileage on his left arm, Wilson displayed impressive pitching knowledge despite his lack of experience. He mixes his 90 mph fastball well with his changeup and curveball. Wilson also has solid control and command of all his pitches. "I think he and Ankiel were the best pitchers in the league before C.J. was promoted," Pulaski manager Bruce Crabbe said. "He spots his fastball well, mixes his changeup in well and has a pretty good curveball that needs a little work. Command-wise, he's one of the best first-year lefthanders I've seen."