2014 MLB Draft Profile: Tyler Beede, RHP, Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt's Tyler Beede has the ideal 6'4", 215 lb lean, athletic build that you look for in a durable innings eating pitcher. His frame will allow for added strength as he matures. He has a loose, fast arm and smooth mechanics. He isn't the kind of player that often makes it to college in the first place.

Beede's draft history is well known. If you don't recall, he was the 21^st overall pick by the Blue Jays in 2011 and didn't sign.

On the mound, Beede possesses the stuff of a top line arm. His fastball sits 92-94 and can get up to 97. When he works down in the zone, it has good movement. His curveball is 80-83 with hard downward action. When he's on, it's an out pitch. I've seen him throw a slider but it doesn't hold up well. His change is in the 78-82 MPH range and is spectacular at times showing great depth and fade. It's a plus-plus pitch at times.

Much of the potential in his three plus or better pitches is dependent on his command. As a freshman, Beede was the #3 starter, not because of lack of talent, but he didn't step up and command the game. As a sophomore, he took a step forward in the superficial stats (wins, ERA) even though his command was lacking. He walked 5.6 per 9 innings but the K rate was up at 9.2. From watching several starts each of his first two year, he looked like a much better pitcher as a sophomore. He commanded the mound more and his presence was stronger.

There have been plenty of pitchers who have struggled with command when they were younger and turned out fine and Beede will likely be added to that list. But..if he struggles with command this spring, his stock could be very volatile.