IP 409
ERA 3.939
WHIP 1.34
BB/9 3.103
SO/9 8.494
  • Full name Paul W. Phillips
  • Born 01/26/1984 in Ypsilanti, MI
  • Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 211 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Oakland CC
  • Drafted in the 9th round (266th overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2005 (signed for $75,000).
    View Draft Report
    For the second straight year, one of the state's top prospects is the son of a local scout. In 2004, Chippewa Hills High catcher Billy Killian went in the third round to the Padres, for whom his father William is a part-time scout. Phillips' dad Arnold holds a similar position with the Devil Rays. On the right day, Phillips can look like a first- or second-rounder. He can carry the 90-93 mph velocity on his fastball into the late innings, throw a mid-80s slider and even mix in a forkball. But his heater is a bit straight and he's inconsistent, as evidenced by his 2-8, 4.23 record that includes 94 hits in 77 innings (Oakland's leaky infield defense is also to blame). Though he has a strong frame, scouts aren't enamored of his arm action because he drags his shoulder. Phillips missed part of 2003 and all of 2004 recovering from labrum surgery, a red flag for some clubs. But with his two hard pitches and ability to pitch well with emotion, he profiles well as a late-inning reliever. Draft-eligible as a sophomore, Phillips could go in the top five rounds to a team not worried about his medical history. He could be a better pick in 2006 if he returns to Oakland and has a more dominant performance.

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Organization Prospect Rankings

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