Mike Nicolas

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked San Diego Padres #8 prospect in 2003
  Nicolas' age was revised upward 26 months during the crackdown on visas before the 2002 season. Unlike most players who were affected, he saw his prospect status improve. That's because he destroyed California League hitters and topped all upper-minors relievers by averaging 14.1 strikeouts per nine innings. He tied for the minor league lead in appearances. When Nicolas throws strikes, he's nearly unhittable. He threw 92- 96 mph every time out last year and peaked at 100. His slider is a plus pitch at times and if he ever becomes consistent with it, he'd almost be unfair. Lefthanders have hit .161 with two homers in 174 at-bats against him the last two seasons. Nicolas threw only fastballs at the start of the year, and the Padres had to make him work on his slider and rudimentary changeup. He overthrows, which detracts from his command, not a strong suit to begin with. He's slow to the plate, making him vulnerable to basestealers. Given the opportunity to close in the final two weeks last year, Nicolas went 7-for-7 converting saves and fanned 24 in 11 innings. He projects as San Diego's closer of the future.
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  Ranked San Diego Padres #20 prospect in 2002
  Though Nicolas never had pitched in the United States before 2001, he was determined to start the year at low Class A. So each day during minor league camp, he'd arrive at the ballpark at 6:30 a.m., get into his uniform and sit in the lunch area outside while withstanding low-50s temperatures. He'd be out there in his short sleeves, drinking coffee and-- Padres officials still chuckle over this--"practicing cold." It must have worked, because Nicolas went to Fort Wayne and ended the season in high Class A. He has one of the best raw arms in the system, throwing 96-97 mph and threatening triple digits. His velocity is an asset and a detriment, because he overthrows too much and loses his command. His slider is coming along though he also has trouble throwing it for strikes. Nicolas' resolve has made him an organization favorite. He'll begin this year back at Lake Elsinore.