- Full name Chris Tierney
- Born
- Profile Throws: L
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Tierney's 14 losses in 2002 might have tied teammate Mike Stodolka for the second-most losses in the Midwest League, but his record didn't indicate how well Tierney pitched, especially late in the season. He allowed just six earned runs over his last seven starts, reaching the seventh inning six times and collecting four wins. At 6-foot-6, he throws his fastball on a steep downhill plane. It's an average pitch but he shows plus command of it. Tierney was throwing 86-87 mph early in 2002, but improved his velocity over the course of the year and reached 90-92. His changeup blossomed into a solid-average pitch with future plus potential. He has the command and confidence to throw it with a full count. Tierney's curveball has a nice, tight rotation, but he struggles with his release point, and by extension, his command of it at times. His arm works easy and he repeats his delivery well, especially for a pitcher of his size. Tierney needs to get quicker to the plate because basestealers take advantage of him. In 2003, Tierney should join a prospect-studded Wilmington rotation that includes Kansas City's last three first-round picks: Stodolka, Colt Griffin and Zack Greinke. -
Tierney helped his draft status last spring when he faced future White Sox first-round pick Kris Honel in a high school playoff game. Showing a 90-mph fastball and a sharp breaking ball, Tierney got within four outs of a no-hitter before losing 1-0 on two singles and a wild pitch. Tall and lanky, he's ultraprojectable and has an easy arm action, so he should develop plus velocity. His fastball has nice, late life. Tierney made some progress with his changeup after turning pro, though his breaking ball was very inconsistent. While he did get rocked in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, he kept throwing strikes to both sides of the plate. Like Ira Brown, Tierney likely will be kept on the slow track for now.