J.J. Putz

Six-foot-6 RHP J.J. Putz' talent has been evident since high school, when he was drafted in the third round. For three years though, he lacked maturity and underachieved. Even in workouts before the start of the 1999 season, Putz threw no harder than 81-82 mph and was given little chance of resurrecting his career. Once the season got going he turned it around, though, and before long was throwing as hard as 92-94 mph, his old velocity, with command of his slider and curve. Almost overnight, he has become a legitimate prospect again. Naturally, questions linger over whether Putz can sustain his success.