Drafted in the 11th round (340th overall) by the Chicago Cubs in 2005.
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Sophomore-eligible RHP Mike Phelps had a scary beginning to his season, getting hit in the head by a throw from his catcher in the Mules' opener and missing five weeks with a fractured skull. He couldn't crack the deep rotation once he returned and is considered a tough sign because he could be an early pick if he returns and has a healthy 2006. He's the least refined of Central Missouri State's pitching prospects, but Phelps is projectable (6-foot-4, 195 pounds) and has three pitches that have the potential to be at least average: a 90-91 mph fastball, a slider and a changeup. His changeup may be his best present pitch, as he commands it better than his fastball.
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Phelps lasted until the 11th round of the 2005 draft only because of major signability questions. Projected to be the ace on a loaded staff at Central Missouri State, a perennial NCAA Division II power, he got hit in the head by a throw from his catcher in the season opener. Phelps missed five weeks with a fractured skull and couldn't crack the Mules rotation when he returned. A draft-eligible sophomore, he figured to be an early-round pick in 2006 if he returned and had a healthy season. Credit area scout Tom Shafer for correctly gauging Phelps' willingness to turn pro and landing him for $55,000. Chicago eased him into pro ball by pitching him out of the bullpen, but challenged him with a pair of promotions, the second to high Class A. Phelps has the stuff to stay in the rotation, as his fastball, curveball and changeup all have the potential to be plus pitches. His fastball sits in the low 90s and tops out at 94, and his changeup may be his best current offering because he locates it so well. The Cubs still haven't determined whether they want to keep Phelps in the bullpen, which would expedite his development, or put him in the rotation this year. He has a chance to reach Double-A by the end of 2006.
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