IP 206
ERA 4.981
WHIP 1.539
BB/9 5.155
SO/9 7.602
  • Full name David Kent Purcey
  • Born 04/22/1982 in St. Charles, IL
  • Profile Ht.: 6'5" / Wt.: 245 / Bats: L / Throws: L
  • School Oklahoma
  • Debut 04/18/2008
  • Drafted in the 1st round (16th overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2004 (signed for $1,600,000).
    View Draft Report
    Purcey came down with draftitis as a high school senior in 2001 and against as a draft-eligible sophomore in 2003. He tried to overthrow at the beginning of last season, then started aiming his pitches and wound up in the bullpen. Though he's a 6-foot-5, 240-pound lefthander with a 90-95 mph fastball, he earned a reputation as a one-pitch pitcher who lacked consistency. Purcey started to shed that tag last summer in the Cape Cod League, causing the Yankees to make a late run at signing him as their 17th-round pick. He turned them down, which will pay off in a big way when he's drafted in the first round this June. Purcey still has the big fastball, and now he can hit both sides of the plate with it. His curveball and overall command are much improved, if still inconsistent. He also has answered questions about his mental toughness by showing first-round stuff every time out this spring. He's a vastly better pitcher in 2004, and Purcey has the best pure arm among lefthanders in the draft.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Minor League Top Prospects

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Fastball in the International League in 2008
  • Rated Best Fastball in the Toronto Blue Jays in 2008
  • Rated Best Curveball in the Toronto Blue Jays in 2005

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