IP 161
ERA 6.429
WHIP 1.82
BB/9 4.975
SO/9 6.708
  • Full name Hayden Colby Simpson
  • Born 05/20/1989 in Magnolia, AR
  • Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 170 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Southern Arkansas
  • Drafted in the 1st round (16th overall) by the Chicago Cubs in 2010 (signed for $1,060,000).
    View Draft Report
    Southern Arkansas coach Allen Gum found the most successful pitcher in school history literally right next door. Simpson, his next-door neighbor in Magnolia, Ark., has gone 35-2, 2.39 with 323 strikeouts in 271 innings in three seasons with the NCAA Division II Muleriders. Though he's just 6 feet and 175 pounds, he has a strong lower half and a quick arm that delivers 91-93 mph fastballs that peak at 96. His fastball is fairly straight and he tends to pitch up in the zone, which could lead to difficulty with tougher competition. He has a pair of hard breaking pitches, an 82-83 mph slider and an 78-80 mph curve. He also has a changeup that he uses sparingly, and he commands his entire repertoire well. His velocity decreased a little toward the end of the season, and some scouts are wary of his size and the fact that he's never ventured far from Magnolia. Nevertheless, his fastball could get him drafted as high as the fourth or fifth round.

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