John Axford

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #23 prospect in 2010
  It seemed like Axford came out of nowhere as he shot from high Class A to a September callup in 2009. And he certainly did take an unorthodox route to the majors. He started his college career at Notre Dame and was on track to being an early-round pick in the 2004 draft before he had Tommy John surgery in December 2003. After sitting out 2004 and barely pitching in 2005, he transferred to Canisius but went undrafted after a lackluster senior season in 2006. Axford returned home to Canada to pitch in the summer collegiate Western Major Baseball League. After he struck out 19 in a seven-inning game and fanned 66 in 36 innings, the Yankees signed him as an nondrafted free agent. New York released him after the 2007 season, and he hooked on with the Brewers the following spring. He led the Florida State League with 73 walks in just 95 innings in 2008, so Milwaukee shifted him to the bullpen and had him lower his arm angle slightly last season in hopes it would help with his control. The changes worked, though Axford still has stretches when he struggles to find the zone. When he throws strikes, he can overpower hitters with his 92-96 mph fastball. His sharp curveball is his No. 2 pitch, and he also mixes in a slider on occasion. Axford saved Milwaukee's final game of the 2009 season, and he should make the Opening Day roster if he throws enough strikes in big league camp.