Delvin James

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #17 prospect in 2003
  James' biggest challenge in 2002 was off the field, as he was shot on Sept. 2 while eating at a Waffle House in Raleigh, N.C. After being struck by bullets in the left shoulder and neck, James had surgery and came back to pitch in relief in the International League playoffs. He then had two outings in September with the Rays, including an impressive relief appearance against the Yankees. It was a turbulent year for James, who debuted in the big leagues in April in his seventh pro season. He made five starts before going on the disabled list with a sore shoulder. In high school, James had the chance to play linebacker at Oklahoma State before signing with Tampa Bay for $50,000. One of the rawest prospects in franchise history, James has made impressive strides every season. His fastball sits in the low- to mid-90s, and his changeup continues to improve. He has worked on adding a breaking ball but has yet to find a consistent slider. Though his work ethic is exceptional and his command is good, James is unlikely to compete for a relief job in the major leagues until he develops a deeper repertoire.
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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #10 prospect in 2002
  A former linebacker who maintains his football aggressiveness on the mound, James had an up-and-down season in 2001 while he moved between starting and relieving. He was practically unhittable as a Double-A starter before struggling to find his rhythm in Triple-A. James has one of the strongest arms in the organization. His fastball has been clocked as high as 97 mph and resides in the 93-95 range. He throws a decent changeup with stellar control of all his pitches. James has developed from a raw hurler thanks to his attitude and impeccable work ethic. The Rays would like to see James add a breaking ball, particularly a slider, to his repertoire. The extra pitch would give him another weapon to mix, keeping hitters more off balance. The Rays haven't determined which role James will play in the major leagues. His overpowering fastball, good command and tenacity could make him an ideal closer. His future responsibilities will depend on the needs of the Tampa Bay staff, which is where he could find himself with a solid showing in spring training.
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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #17 prospect in 2001
  A former linebacker who declined a football scholarship at Oklahoma State, James is an aggressive workhorse who has refined his ability to pitch over the past five years. He was extremely raw when he was signed out of high school, but his intelligence and strong desire to improve have made him a legitimate prospect. James' fastball reaches 95 mph on a consistent basis. In addition to a good changeup, he throws an average curveball, and the Devil Rays are considering trying to add a slider to his repertoire. While he possesses above-average command, James needs to work both sides of the plate and mix his pitches a little better. A starter for most of his career, James could be a candidate to move to the bullpen in hopes of becoming a dominating, late-inning pitcher. Regardless of his role in 2001, he's expected to continue honing his skills by returning to Double-A to open the season.