Jon Bachanov
| IP | 180 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.15 |
| WHIP | 1.433 |
| BB/9 | 4.65 |
| SO/9 | 8.95 |
- Full name Jonathan L. Bachanov
- Born 01/30/1989 in Orlando, FL
- Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 230 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School University
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Drafted in the C-A round (58th overall) by the Los Angeles Angels in 2007 (signed for $553,300).
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Aside from Tampa product Nevin Griffith, Bachanov made the biggest climb among Sunshine State pitchers this spring. At 6-foot-5, 220 pounds, he offers a strong, durable frame. But Bachanov has a max-effort delivery and off-the-field baggage that leaves some teams wary. University High was his fourth high school in as many years and Bachanov's Myspace page--complete with a "countdown 'til I get paid"--was a running joke among scouts this spring. Despite his blemishes, the big righthander shows glimpses of greatness, like his 15-strikeout performance against one of the state's top teams, Winter Springs High, in the 6-A regional quarterfinals in early May. That night his fastball was up to 95, and he showed an ability to place his hard breaking ball down in the strike zone. His control improves when he pitches out of the stretch, and he profiles as a potential closer who could be drafted as early as the second round.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Bounceback seasons by both Trevor Bell and Bachanov, the Angels' first picks in the '05 and '07 drafts, boosted players who were forgotten men entering the 2009 season. Questions surrounding Bachanov's makeup dogged him during his draft year--his MySpace page featured a "countdown 'til I get paid" clock--followed by Tommy John surgery shortly after he signed for $553,300. After a slow recovery, he debuted as a reliever last summer. Bachanov has a big league fastball, pitching with command at 92-93 mph and touching 96 with modest life. He's a top-flight competitor who comes out of the bullpen firing strikes from a three-quarters arm slot. Even after the injury, he shows uncanny feel and control of a low-80s power slider that has above-average potential. He threw a curveball and a changeup in high school, but those pitches gathered dust in the bullpen. Bachanov finished the year in Orem under manager Tom Kotchman, who's also the scout who signed him in 2007. Kotchman said the improvements in Bachanov's delivery and arm action were dramatic. He no longer throws across his body, though the Angels will continue to stress balance as well as direction and time to the plate. Bachanov probably will remain in the bullpen in order to expedite his development. If it all comes together, he profiles as a potential setup man. -
Bachanov's MySpace page was popular among area scouts heading into the 2007 draft, featuring his "countdown 'til I get paid" clock. The big righthander became the only player the Angels signed in the first three rounds when he received a $553,300 bonus as the 58th overall pick. His elbow flared up between his predraft outing in the Florida high school all-star game and his arrival at the Angels' facility in Arizona, however, and he never made it to the mound. His arm strength has always been evident, and he shows glimpses of greatness, like his 15-strikeout performance in the 6-A regional quarterfinals in May. Angels scouting director Eddie Bane and East Coast supervisor Mike Silvestri were at the game and watched him paint both corners with a 93-95 mph fastball that touched 96. Bachanov throws two breaking balls, and his low-80s slider has occasional plus break. He also has a curveball and changeup that could become usable offerings. His delivery improved last spring, but it's far from fluid, which leads to inconsistent command. He projects as a potential closer, but the Angels were hopeful he'd be healthy and make his debut as a starter this spring.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Bachanov was practically a forgotten man coming into this season. A supplemental first-round choice in 2007, he didn't make his pro debut until this season because of a slow recovery from Tommy John surgery. The Angels used Bachanov in relief to ease him back into action, and that may be his role moving forward. Bachanov has excellent command of his fastball, which sits at 92-93 mph and peaks at 96. He had a 47-4 strikeout-walk ratio in 29 innings. His slider is also a big league pitch, according to Wilson, and Bachanov flashes a plus changeup that he doesn't use much. "I don't see this guy being in the minor leagues too long," Wilson said. "He really pitches with a lot of energy and he's into every pitch."
