Chris Tillman

by niko on Aug 30, 2007 2:27 PM EDT

I like that Tony Butler got some play from John but he's probably only been the third most successful pitcher from last year's Mariners' draft class behind Brandon Morrow and Tillman, who went 6 IP, 13K, 2 BB and 2 H with 0 ER last night in High A-ball. As Jason Churchill over at prospectinsider.com pointed out, Tillman's been on quite the roll recently including a 2.43 ERA at home since July 6 in a park where double-digit scores are the norm.

I don't really recall how the top of this draft was accepted at the time but I'd have to say they're making out pretty well, eh? Even if Brandon Morrow doesn't achieve his upper ceiling of #2 behind Felix, if Butler and Tillman can slot in at 2 and 3 with Morrow becoming a lights-out closer I'd say the M's scored huge.

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Good Draft

I liked it at the time, like it even more now. Butler was the one who surprised me last year in the NWL. He hasn't been as sharp this year, but seems to be coming around.

by DrBGiantsfan on Aug 30, 2007 2:43 PM EDT reply actions

True

Butler hasn't been sharp. But then, he was hurt, and is showing signs of straightening things out recently. Hopefully, he can build on his recent success next year.

Hell of a draft so far...

by marc w @ Minor League Ball on Aug 30, 2007 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions

a tillboy becomes a tillman

a lot of people sort of forgot about him when he was banished to high desert, but to me, at this point he's looking like the best high school pitcher from 2006 outside of kershaw. his draft stock dropped when he had kind of a weird senior year, but he probably should have been a first rounder.

by wily mo on Aug 30, 2007 4:59 PM EDT reply actions

Nice UN

Johnny DuRocher fan, eh?

Anyway, it does seem that Tillman adjusted well to high desert. Still love to get a scouting report or something that might explain why he's turned the corner? Better approach, better control, better offspeed stuff, what?

Where will he start next year? West Tenn. would be remarkably agressive. Given the org, that's probably what it'll be.

by marc w @ Minor League Ball on Aug 30, 2007 5:33 PM EDT reply actions

Hopefully not too aggressive

I'd like to see Tillman and Butler start next year right where they are and move up no more than one level. Why are we in such a rush to turn 19 year old draftees into 20 year old burnouts? Although, Churchill seems to think they both start at West Tenn.

It would be nice to get a little bit of insight into the transformation on both of those guys as well although for Tillman it may just have been getting over the shock of pitching in a matchbox.

I was at Oregon during the last of Joey's years and the beginning of Dixon. Remember, DuRocher was Oregon's flameout QB prospect before he was Washington's!

by niko on Aug 31, 2007 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions

I think basically...

Tillman stopped pitching scared.

Whatever it is, I think it's awesome that he's taking charge now and making the most of the challenge.

(awesome name, btw)

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." -- Samuel Beckett http://mvn.com/milb-mariners/

by JY on Aug 31, 2007 4:35 AM EDT reply actions

Tillman

Why he ever fell to round 2 is beyond me. Is there something to the story I don't know? Similar to why the hell Dan Duffy fell to round three this year. I just don't know.

by doublestix on Aug 31, 2007 4:56 PM EDT reply actions