James Shull
| IP | 84 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 2.464 |
| WHIP | 1.024 |
| BB/9 | 1.286 |
| SO/9 | 10.393 |
- Full name James R. Shull
- Born 08/21/1983 in Downey, CA
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
-
Drafted in the 4th round (131st overall) by the Oakland Athletics in 2005 (signed for $120,000).
View Draft Report
Like Jamison, Cal Poly senior RHP Jimmy Shull was an unsigned eighth-round pick from the 2004 draft. A converted shortstop, he came on last year, showcasing an 88-92 mph fastball with good sinking action and a plus slider, but didn't sign because he thought he could improve his draft position this year. He was hot and cold most of this season before again turning it on down the stretch with a fastball that peaked at 94. His late surge could improve his draft position by two or three rounds.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
Shull was an eighth-round pick for the Diamondbacks in 2004, but returned to Cal Poly in an attempt to improve his draft stock. The gambit paid off as Shull found a couple extra ticks on his fastball and was the first college pitcher Oakland drafted in 2005, a fourth-rounder who received a $120,000 bonus. He led a successful short-season Vancouver staff in strikeouts in his pro debut. Shull has excellent command of an 89-92 mph sinker that can touch 94, but his best pitch is a plus slider that gives righthanders fits. His changeup is a work in progress, though it could become an average pitch. Shull can be a victim of his own command at times, becoming overly focused on throwing strikes and leaving too many hittable pitches over the plate. He has to learn he can afford to set up hitters a little better or try to lure them into chasing sliders out of the zone. Because he played four years of college ball, the A's believe Shull is ready for high Class A in his first full pro season.
Minor League Top Prospects
-
Shull turned down the Diamondbacks as an eighth-round pick in 2004 and bettered his stock by four rounds as a college senior. He separated himself from a strong and seasoned Vancouver staff with his above-average slider. Aside from that pitch, Shull's pure stuff rates as average. He also uses a sinking fastball that sits around 90 mph and a changeup. His biggest strength is his ability to throw any of his pitches at any time to any part of the strike zone, and that feel keeps hitters off balance. "In my opinion, he should be in high A ball," Everett manager Pedro Grifol said. "He was in the low 90s with real good mound presence and pitchability."
