Wade LeBlanc

LeBlanc was bound for hometown McNeese State before he blew up as a senior at Barbe High in Lake Charles, La., earning first-team All-America honors. When McNeese coach Todd Butler left for Alabama, LeBlanc followed. He was BA's Freshman of the Year in 2004, posting an 8-4, 2.08 record. He missed time with a bruised collarbone as a sophomore and was capping his college career strongly, winning each of his first eight decisions. LeBlanc fits the mold of the classic college lefthander with a feel for pitching and a repertoire that profiles in the back of a rotation. He has a smooth delivery, which he repeats well, and a durable frame. His bread and butter is a plus changeup that he throws with good arm speed. It's a deceptive pitch, with late sink and fade, and he commands it well. He relies on it heavily, which could present a problem as advanced hitters lay off it. His fastball velocity is below-average. He can touch 90 mph, but typically settles in at 84-87 mph, and struggles with command when he throws harder. His overall command is above-average, and he can manipulate the strike zone with both his fastball and changeup. He was not as sharp as a junior as he had been during his first two years at Alabama, however. His breaking ball is a get-me-over offering, with average spin and break. LeBlanc's strong track record boosts his stock, but his modest ceiling keeps him from becoming a first- or second-round talent.