- Full name Ben Christensen
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
Christensen was one of the better arms in the 1999 draft, though he lasted until 26th overall after an incident in his junior season at Wichita State. He was suspended for throwing a pitch at Evansville's Anthony Molina and striking him in the eye while warming up. Christensen's ascent through the minors was progressing rapidly and probably would have taken him to the majors by now if not for shoulder problems. His 2000 season ended in early July because of tendinitis, and he made just three starts last year before needing surgery to tighten his capsule and repair some fraying. When healthy, Christensen shows command of four pitches. His two best are his 90- 94 mph sinker and his slider. He has the long, loose body scouts like in a pitcher. But clearly his health has been the biggest cause for concern to this point. He has pitched just 176 innings in three years as pro and has made just 32 starts. He could have used more innings to work on his curveball and changeup, which aren't in the same class as his sinker and slider. The good news is that Christensen didn't have major shoulder damage and should be ready to go by spring training. If he's 100 percent, he should begin to move quickly again and should start the season at Iowa. -
Christensen always will be associated with beaning Evansville's Anthony Molina in the on-deck circle while he was warming up before a Wichita State game. But he's making a name for himself as a pitcher, permitting more than three earned runs in just two of his starts last season before he was shut down in early July with shoulder tendinitis. Christensen has two well above-average pitches in his 90-94 mph sinker and his slider. As a bonus, he has good command of both of those offerings, as well as his curveball and an improving changeup. He had nearly as many strikeouts as baserunners allowed last year. Christensen's shoulder problems aren't considered serious. He just needs a few more pro innings and more consistency with his curve and change. He hasn't shown that the Molina incident will affect him. If the Cubs decide to be cautious, they'll give Christensen a month to get going in Double-A before promoting him to Triple-A Iowa this year. Odds are he'll surface in Wrigley Field before the season is over, and he should stick in Chicago's rotation by 2002.
Minor League Top Prospects
Top 100 Rankings
Best Tools List
- Rated Best Control in the Chicago Cubs in 2001
