IP 384
ERA 4.711
WHIP 1.555
BB/9 4.781
SO/9 9.258
  • Full name Thomas Craig Italiano
  • Born 07/22/1986 in Cleveland, OH
  • Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 215 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Flower Mound
  • Drafted in the 2nd round (53rd overall) by the Oakland Athletics in 2005 (signed for $725,500).
    View Draft Report
    Flower Mound is loaded with pitching prospects, including Paul Kelly, Jordan Meaker and Brandon Gaviglio, but it all starts with Italiano, who has lit up radar guns more consistently than anyone in the nation this spring. He has pitched in the mid-90s and touched 97-98 mph on several occasions. "He has thrown bullets every time out," one scouting director says. Italiano also has improved his breaking ball, taking it from a slurve to more of a true slider. He has drawn comparisons to Brad Lidge, and Italiano's future may be in the bullpen because teams worry about his delivery and durability. He short-arms the ball and throws with a lot of effort, and the consensus is that whoever drafts him will have to let him keep pitching that way. Italiano had elbow problems in the past and missed a mid-April start with shoulder inflammation. He pitched well after returning, finishing his season with a shutout in the Texas 5-A playoffs, Flower Mound's lone win in a three-game series.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Minor League Top Prospects

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Reliever in the Texas League in 2010
  • Rated Best Breaking Pitch in the Midwest League in 2008
  • Rated Best Fastball in the Oakland Athletics in 2007
  • Rated Best Fastball in the Oakland Athletics in 2006

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