By John Manuel
December 6, 2002

Want More? Does 10 prospects per team only whet your appetite? How does 30 sound? If you want the more of in-depth information you're finding here on three times as many players, Baseball America's 2003 Prospect Handbook is for you.

1. Dustin McGowan

Age: 20. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 190. Drafted: HS–Ludowici, Ga., 2000 (1st round

supplemental). Signed by: Joe Siers.

Background: The Blue Jays have a history of success when drafting high school righthanders in the first round, and McGowan is starting to fit the bill. The record includes Steve Karsay (1990), Chris Carpenter (1993) and current Toronto ace Roy Halladay (1995). McGowan was a supplemental pick for the loss of free agent Graeme Lloyd, a trade the Jays would make every time. A standout basketball player as well as a shortstop and pitcher, McGowan helped Long County High to the Georgia state playoffs three years in a row and became the most decorated pitcher from south Georgia since Joey Hamilton. He struggled out of the gates in 2002 but started to right himself with a dominating 11-strikeout, five-inning outing at Savannah with hundreds of friends and family on hand to watch.

Strengths: When McGowan is on, he has front-of-the-rotation stuff. His fastball is the best in the organization; it’s heavy and reaches anywhere from 92-97 mph. More important for a young pitcher, McGowan has become more consistent with his fastball command. A true power pitcher, he throws a power curve with 11-to-7 break from a three-quarters release point, and he showed better control of the pitch in 2002. The combination helped him lead the low Class A South Atlantic League in strikeouts. A good fielder, he has an athletic pitcher’s body and his arm works well.

Weaknesses: McGowan’s changeup remains a work in progress, and he has yet to dominate his competition. He struggled with command and consistency of his delivery early in the season, when he tended to overstride. It resulted in too many pitches up in the strike zone and a 5.43 ERA through May. As with most young pitchers, his biggest need is innings and experience.

The Future: McGowan has stepped to the front of the Blue Jays’ line of young power arms, because of injuries to Francisco Rosario and Tracy Thorpe, his stuff, and his experience edge compared to Brandon League. Pitching on the same staff with Rosario and Thorpe at Charleston provided a positive, competitive atmosphere for McGowan, but he’ll make the next step to Class A Dunedin without them. His third pro year was his first in a full-season league, and the Jays will continue taking it slow with him.

2002 Club (Class)	W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SV	IP	H	HR	BB	SO	AVG
Charleston (A)	11	10	4.19	28	28	0	0	148	143	10	59	163	.251