Micah Miniard
| IP | 307 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 5.629 |
| WHIP | 1.583 |
| BB/9 | 4.28 |
| SO/9 | 5.629 |
- Full name Micah Warren Miniard
- Born 04/12/1996 in Danville, KY
- Profile Ht.: 6'7" / Wt.: 195 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Boyle County
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Drafted in the 8th round (248th overall) by the Cleveland Guardians in 2014 (signed for $350,000).
View Draft Report
Miniard is far and away the top high school prospect in Kentucky in a down year for prep talent in the state. He has an intriguing foundation with a gangly 6-foot-7, 210-pound body that offers considerable physical projection and has drawn comparisons to Doug Fister. He finished the fall strong by touching 94 mph, but his velocity has been down this spring. His fastball has sat 87-89 mph throughout his outings, touching 91 and 92 early before dropping to 85-87. His breaking ball has improved substantially and shows at least average potential, flashing better, while his changeup is in its nascent stages. There are some tweaks to be made with his arm action and delivery, but Miniard is athletic for his size and offers upside. The Western Kentucky commit is considered signable.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Miniard was considered to be the top prep pitcher in Kentucky when the Indians drafted him in the eighth round in 2014. He experienced a breakout in pro ball in 2016 by impressing at short-season Mahoning Valley to earn a promotion to low Class A Lake County for the season's final month. Miniard throws from a three-quarters arm slot, which, along with his 6-foot-7 frame, creates a tough angle for hitters. It also gives cutting action on a fastball that sits 93-94 mph and tops out at 97. He is still learning to harness his fastball and its natural movement to consistently throw quality strikes, but it makes the pitch difficult for hitters to square up. He also throws a low-90s sinker and a breaking ball that is shaped more like a curve but has the velocity of a slider. His changeup remains a work in progress. Miniard has the makings of a starter, but will need to refine his control and develop a viable changeup. He'll return to Lake County in 2017 to work on that.
Draft Prospects
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Miniard is far and away the top high school prospect in Kentucky in a down year for prep talent in the state. He has an intriguing foundation with a gangly 6-foot-7, 210-pound body that offers considerable physical projection and has drawn comparisons to Doug Fister. He finished the fall strong by touching 94 mph, but his velocity has been down this spring. His fastball has sat 87-89 mph throughout his outings, touching 91 and 92 early before dropping to 85-87. His breaking ball has improved substantially and shows at least average potential, flashing better, while his changeup is in its nascent stages. There are some tweaks to be made with his arm action and delivery, but Miniard is athletic for his size and offers upside. The Western Kentucky commit is considered signable.
