Position: Starting pitcher
Age: 21
Prospect Level: Top prospect (2nd according to BaseballAmerica.com)
Team: Clearwater (Single-A+)
2012 Minor League Stats: 26 starts, 10-6, 3.22 ERA, 142.2 IP, 151 K.
Season in Review: Local product and former first round pick Jesse Biddle began his first season at Class A Clearwater with lofty expectations.
Biddle had a very good 2012 season as he had his highest win total in his Phillies career with 10. The Germantown Friends product tossed his first complete game in nearly two years.
The Threshers left-hander tossed seven no-hit innings against Brevard County on Aug. 17. Biddle also struck out 12 batters in that contest.
In 2012, Biddle shaved down his walks total and struck out 27 more batters in only a few more innings than in 2011 with the Lakewood Blue Claws.
Biddle throws a low 90s fastball and many scouts believe that his curveball could be his best pitch by the time he breaks into the big leagues. He also has a changeup in his arsenal that he is attempting to perfect.
The Philadelphia-area native was selected to the Florida State League All-Star team and was named as the league’s Pitcher of the Week on two occasions. Batters hit just .237 off Biddle in his 26 starts.
The final 10 starts was a tale of Jekyll and Hyde for the left-hander.
On the good end of the spectrum, Biddle had 5 or more strikeouts in 8 out of the 10 games. He only had 3 or more walks three times with recording 5 free passes as the maximum.
On the other hand, Biddle surrendered 6 of his 10 total home runs during that stretch. The 2010 first round pick gave up 3 long balls against the Tampa Yankees on Aug. 7.
It’s unclear where Biddle will begin the 2013 season. The Phillies could decide that he is ready to join the likes of Trevor May and Justin Friend in Class AA Reading. But they could start him out back in Clearwater to work on his stuff.
Grade: B+
TTB 