- Full name Nicholas M. Webber
- Born 05/09/1984 in Kansas City, MO
- Profile Ht.: 6'7" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Central Missouri
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Drafted in the 2nd round (78th overall) by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2005 (signed for $425,000).
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Webber is the closer on a dominant Central Missouri State staff that set an NCAA Division II record with 15 shutouts this year. The Mules could have as many as five pitchers taken in the first 15 rounds, with Webber going ahead of Danny Powers, Mike Phelps, Josh Outman and Jason Schutt. He has one of the best fastballs in the draft. It sits at 91-94 mph and touches 96, and it stands out even more with its outstanding life. One observer said it had "Wiffle ball movement" last summer in the Cape Cod League. Webber's second pitch is a decent slider, which he commands well but lacks a sharp break. As a pro, he may need to scrap the slider in favor of a splitter. He posted a 0.49 ERA in his first 37 innings, as opponents managed to bat just .099 with two extra-base hits. Webber has the strong body and resilience to try starting as a pro, but he has pitched almost exclusively in relief at Central Missouri State and may remain in that role. He hasn't thrown a changeup, which he'd need to move into a rotation.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Central Missouri State is a powerhouse NCAA Division II program that set a division record 16 shutouts in 2005, with Webber serving as the Mules' closer. The Cardinals used him as a starter after signing him for $425,000, and he quickly jumped to low Class A. Webber's fastball is one of the best in the organization, not just because of its 91-94 mph velocity but more because it has heavy sink and unbelievable movement. He relied almost exclusively on his fastball in college and had similar success with it at short-season New Jersey. If Webber is to make it as a starter, he'll need to develop his slider and changeup. He had a hard time maintaining his velocity, throwing in the high 80s in some outings, and will need to sharpen his command. Webber has the one dominant pitch and makeup to be a closer. Nevertheless, St. Louis will keep using him as a starter in high Class A in 2006, because his value will be enhanced if he shows an aptitude for it.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Webber served as a closer on a loaded Central Missouri State staff, then stepped into the rotation as a pro and made an easy transition. He has a power sinker that's almost impossible to lift, as evidenced by his 93-23 groundball-flyball ratio. Webber can throw his sinker in the low 90s, though it flattens out when thrown too hard and dances more when it's in the high 80s. He's trying to add a changeup after working only with his sinker and slider in college. Both of his secondary pitches need work.