- Full name Phil Norton
- Born 02/01/1976 in Texarkana, TX
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: R / Throws: L
- Debut 08/03/2000
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Background: Norton was unheralded as a junior college pitcher, but he led all Cubs minor league pitchers in innings in 1998 and was the co-leader in strikeouts. Strengths: Norton's curveball is a plus big league pitch and the best breaking ball in the organization. He also has an 89-91 mph fastball and a straight change. As a professional, Norton has shown excellent durability and a determined approach. Weaknesses: Not a physically imposing pitcher, Norton tends to lose the edge on his fastball when he tires. He still needs to work on perfecting his changeup. The Future: With the Cubs bullpen short on lefthanders, Norton could get a long look in spring training--even though he's only relieved five times in his career and has never pitched above Double-A. His curveball could give him an advantage in the competition for a big league job.