Ben Krosschell

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked San Diego Padres #14 prospect in 2006
  Like Sean Thompson, Kroschell was a Colorado prep product the Padres kept in short-season leagues for two years to allow him to get used to the higher level of competition. He looked like one of the best arms in the system in 2004 instructional league, but started slowly at short-season Eugene last season. He came on strong late in the year and again looked sharp in instructional league. Krosschell is all about projection. Long and loose with a quick arm, he has a fastball that sits at 89-91 mph. He flashes 93 at times and San Diego believes he has all the ingredients to pitch with plus velocity as he fills out his skinny frame. His slider is inconsistent but shows the potential to be an above-average pitch, while his changeup, once nonexistent, has come along nicely. Krosschell displays good command for his age. He still needs to improve his offspeed stuff to give him a viable option against lefthanders, who batted .316 off him last year. The Padres are looking forward to what he can do over a full season, and he'll spend 2006 in low Class A.