Blake Parker

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Chicago Cubs #20 prospect in 2010
  Parker batted just .266 in three college seasons at Arkansas, and when he hit .224 in his pro debut, the Cubs promptly made him a pitcher. He took to the mound just as quickly, and his mound presence may be more impressive that his stuff, which is formidable. Parker can get hitters out with three different pitches: a low-90s sinker that touches 95, a slider that's a plus pitch at times and a changeup that he picked up from Dae-Eun Rhee when they were Peoria teammates in 2008. Parker needs more consistency with his pitches, as his fastball can get true and his slider can get flat. He doesn't use his changeup as much as he should. He gets himself into jams with walks, but gets out thanks to his competitiveness and fearlessness. He converted 25 of his 26 save opportunities in 2009. Parker projects as more of a sixth- or seventh-inning reliever than a closer in the majors, but don't be surprised if he exceeded expectations and becomes a setup man through sheer will. He figures to make his major league debut at some point this season.
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  Ranked Chicago Cubs #26 prospect in 2009
  Parker played several positions and never hit much as a three-year starter at Arkansas, but the one tool he showed constantly was a strong arm. The Cubs signed him for $30,000 as a 16th-round pick in 2006, and after he hit .224/.325/.367 in his first pro summer, they took his bat away. In two years on the mound, Parker has posted a 2.20 ERA, conquered high Class A and put together a nice three-pitch mix. He has a low-90s sinker that touches 95 mph and often seems to disappear at the plate. He picked up a changeup from Dae-Eun Rhee, who owns the best in the system, when they were Peoria teammates at the beginning of 2008. Parker's changeup shows the makings of becoming a reliable pitch, and his slider is improving as well. Chicago has deployed Parker from the bullpen, where his confidence and mound presence fit nicely. His main needs are to improve his control, command and consistency, and he got extra work in with an assignment to Hawaii Winter Baseball. Parker has developed rapidly and might get a big league look at the end of 2009, which he'll begin in Double-A.