ProfileHt.: 5'10" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School
California
Drafted in the 16th round (473rd overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2008 (signed for $125,000).
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Bears closer Matt Gorgen isn't as polished as twin brother Scott, the starter at UC Irvine, but runs his fastball into the 90-92 mph range in relief and has shown excellent durability. He also throws a mid-80s cutter that he uses too often. If he had the same changeup as his brother, he could fit into a rotation as a pro but more likely will remain in relief.
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Organization Prospect Rankings
Gorgen has made a seamless transition from college to the minors. He has 32 saves and a 1.35 ERA since signing for $125,000 as a 16th-round pick in 2008. He's the twin brother of Cardinals rigthhander Scott Gorgen, and while both are fearless on the mound, their styles are totally different. Scott relies heavily on his changeup, while Matt is a classic hard-charging reliever. His 91-92 mph fastball has been clocked as high as 95, and his 80- 81 mph slider can be an out pitch. He has been working on a changeup, but it's still inconsistent and not nearly as good as his brother's. Gorgen needs to command his pitches better after posting a 10.38 ERA in the Arizona Fall League. He projects as a middle reliever or set-up man at the major league level. A return to Double-A, where he pitched well at the end of 2009, is next on his agenda.
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Rated Best Reliever in the Florida State League in 2009
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