- Full name Nick Stocks
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
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Stocks isn't the pitcher he was when the Cardinals made him a supplemental first-round pick in 1999, but that might turn out to be best for all involved. He had Tommy John surgery while at Florida State, and he has been bothered by persistent back and shoulder problems as a pro. He finally put together a full, healthy season at Double-A in 2003, and while he didn't have good numbers the organization still considered it a bounce-back year. His velocity came closer to his old mid-90s peak after he threw in the mid-80s in 2002, but he chose to focus on movement rather than pure velocity. He threw a two-seam fastball that's 3-4 mph slower than his four-seamer, so he sat at 87-88 mph and touched 92-93 when he needed something extra. His curveball and changeup were also effective at times, though he must get more consistent with them. His command wasn't good, but the Cardinals expect it to improve with more healthy innings. Stocks finally made the adjustments the organization wanted him to make several years ago, when he thought he could rely on power. He could get himself back into the big league picture with another healthy season and better results. He'll compete for a Triple-A job in spring training. -
Stocks is the classic case of a pitcher with an exciting arm who can't stay healthy enough to actually get anyone excited. He had Tommy John surgery as an amateur with Florida State but still was a supplemental first-round pick. He has endured a series of back and shoulder woes since signing. His latest operations came in December 2001, on his shoulder, and in April, on his knee after a spring training injury. He rehabbed in Florida and didn't join an affiliate until July, pitching briefly in New Jersey before getting moved up to Peoria. He threw eight shutout innings in an August start and jokingly referred to himself as a finesse pitcher after he averaged 83 mph with his fastball for the night. At his best, Stocks is the opposite of a finesse pitcher, with a hard fastball that reaches 94-95 mph and a hammer curve. Rarely has he been seen at his best, though. He never got comfortable in 2002 but told the organization he felt great heading into spring training 2003. The Cardinals expect his velocity to return this year and hope it's a breakout season for Stocks. It's definitely an important season. You can only live on reputation for so long. -
Stocks got his Tommy John surgery out of the way before he came to the organization, as a freshman at Florida State. He bounced back to become a supplemental first-round pick, but he has continued to be bothered by injuries as a pro and hasn't put up performances to match his considerable tools. He missed time in 2000 with back problems and was bothered by shoulder, back and hamstring woes in 2001. He went to the Arizona Fall League to make up innings but was shut down with shoulder soreness. When healthy, Stocks has a quick arm and a plus fastball that consistently reaches 94-95 mph. His hammer curveball is one of the best breaking pitches in the organization, though he tends to rely on it too much. Stocks has no changeup to speak of but the Cardinals believe he has the potential to develop a good one. His biggest obstacle is learning to pitch, which is hard to do if he can't stay healthy. He has a closer's mentality, so the Cardinals might try him in that role if his changeup doesn't come along and he can't handle a starter's workload. Stocks should be healthy for spring training and could jump to Triple-A if he pitches well. -
Another in the growing legion of Tommy John surgery survivors, Stocks missed his freshman year at Florida State after his elbow ligament popped off the bone. Like so many, he came back stronger than ever after the operation, and the Cardinals took him with a supplemental first-round pick they got for losing Brian Jordan. Stocks touched 90-91 mph before his surgery, and now he pitches comfortably at 92-93 and reaches 94-95. He also has a major league curveball and makeup that's off the charts. He has the heart of a lion and refuses to give in to hitters. Stocks probably isn't quite as big as he's listed, which raises questions about his durability. With just one professional season under his belt, he still has work to do on his changeup and on his command. Even with the good Tommy John track record, Stocks' health will always be a concern. The early returns on Stocks are overwhelmingly positive, especially the innings he piled up at Class A Peoria with no injury problems. The next step is high Class A Potomac, but he'll probably finish this season in Double-A.