Drafted in the 5th round (158th overall) by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008 (signed for $176,000).
View Draft Report
Lasker, a San Diego State recruit, had a chance to sign and had garnered some interest in the fourth- to sixth-round range early before an injury. He's physical at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, and has some projection left. He was considered a better prospect as a hitter prior to the season but came out strong on the mound this spring, touching 93 mph and showing a loose arm. He compensates for a fairly straight fastball with good arm speed on his changeup and by flashing a potential plus breaking ball. However, he had to sit out several weeks on the mound with biceps tendinitis, clouding his draft status.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
After he strained his back shortly after signing in 2008, the Brewers eased Lasker into professional ball by having him spend the entire 2009 season in the Arizona League. He quickly raised eyebrows there with his aggressive style on the mound, pounding the strike zone and pitching to contact. Lasker gets ahead of hitters with an 88-92 mph fastball with good movement. Milwaukee believes his velocity will improve as his projectable frame fills out. He spikes his curve at times and is prone to wild pitches (18 in 2010) and must improve his command of that pitch. Lasker improved in that area toward season's end and continued to improve his changeup. He adds a short slider, and at his best, he has four average pitches working. As one scout put it, he figured some things out toward the end of last season. He isn't overpowering and fits more of a back-of-the-rotation profile. One thing the Brewers are sure of is that Lasker won't sell himself short because he has a tremendous work ethic and makeup. He'll advance to high Class A to begin the 2011 season.
Lasker strained his back strain shortly after signing as a fifth-round pick in 2008, which delayed his professional debut until 2009. The Brewers eased him into pro ball in the Rookie-level Arizona League, where he quickly caught the eye of scouts with his aggressive style of pitching. He performed so well in Arizona that Milwaukee promoted him to low Class A before the season ended, and he threw seven scoreless innings in his first start there. Lasker pounds the strike zone with an 88-92 mph fastball that touches 93 and has plus movement. There's still projection remaining in his frame, so he could throw harder down the road. His breaking ball is a slurvy slider that's improving in terms of depth and tilt. His changeup can be a good third pitch, but he needs more confidence in throwing it. He's not overpowering, but he doesn't hurt himself by walking hitters, either. The Brewers love Lasker's makeup and dedication to his craft. He should return to Wisconsin to open 2010.
Minor League Top Prospects
A fifth-round pick in 2008, Lasker missed all of his first pro season with a back injury but was impressive when he finally got on the mound this year. He had an easy time in his native Arizona and drew a late-season promotion to low Class A Wisconsin after the AZL season ended, pitching seven scoreless innings in his first start. Lasker's best pitch is a natural sinking fastball that ranges from 88-92 mph. He's making progress with his slider, getting more depth and tilt with it. His changeup has the makings of a quality pitch, but he's reluctant to throw it.
Download our app
Read the newest magazine issue right on your phone