2013 Draft Profile: Karsten Whitson, RHP, Florida

Karsten Whitson, RHP, University of Florida

Whitson was one of the most polished arms out of high school and was picked 9th overall in 2010, reportedly turning down over $2 million dollars to attend Florida. It was a calculated risk, figuring he would be one of the top 3 picks in the 2013 draft. He stepped into the rotation as a freshman and showed why he was a top pick. He was a freshman all American but didn't follow it up well. He had a groin injury that nagged long enough for his arm to tighten up. He had some forearm stiffness and came back very slowly, missing much of the 2012 season almost as a precaution since Florida was so deep it didn't need him. This is a plus for Whitson's future as long as it doesn't become a recurring issue.

At 6'4" and 195 LBS, he has a great pitchers build as well as being the owner of great athleticism.His delivery is a high 3/4 delivery that is pretty clean. He is athletic and repeats his delivery well. He usually works in the 91-93 range but can reach 95 with the fastball and he does it with ease. He never looks like he is maxing out. It has good movement and he commands it well. His slider sits in the low 80's and is a plus offering with potential to be a truly dominant pitch. His change is a 78-82 MPH pitch with good fade.

Whitson may have overplayed his hand if he expected to be a lock to be a top 3 pick in 2013. Then again, with a good junior season, he may very well be there. He is a top of the rotation kind of arm if everything works out offering 3 plus pitches and great command. He is poised on the mound and looks the part of a reliable starter. I fully expect him to regain his status this year a be a top 10 pick, if not top 5.


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