- Full name Josh Axelson
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
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Axelson has been one of the organization's biggest enigmas since he was drafted, and he was just as puzzling at Michigan State. He has bounced back and forth between the bullpen and the rotation during the last two years, though he was the best starter on the Double-A staff in the final month of the 2003 season. The Cardinals sent him to the Arizona Fall League to get more work as a starter, but he was out of gas and got knocked around with a 7.36 ERA in 33 innings. Axelson has an average fastball that ranged from 88-92 mph last year, a good curveball and a slider he uses occasionally. His changeup showed progress last season. More important, though, Axelson started to understand how to pitch. He regarded himself as a power pitcher coming out of college, and his stubborn, bulldog approach often held him back. After a change to his mechanics got him going in 2002, the mental adjustment moved him further ahead last season. He'll have a chance to win a spot in the Triple-A rotation in 2004, though it won't be considered a disappointment if he opens the season back in Tennessee. The Cardinals think he can succeed either starting or relieving. -
Hard to believe, but Axelson's 4.09 ERA was a career best and was even better than the ERAs he posted in three seasons at Michigan State. He opened the 2002 season in the Potomac rotation but got sent to the bullpen at midseason before working his way back into a starting role. He finished strong, going 4-2, 3.12 in August, and ended up as Potomac's player of the year for his performance on and off the field. He worked as an instructor at community baseball clinics throughout the local area last season. On the field, the Cardinals say the proverbial light finally came on for Axelson. Pitching coordinator Mark Riggins made a small mechanical adjustment, taking Axelson back to an over-the-top delivery after he had slipped to a three-quarters arm slot. Axelson also started to compete harder and got his confidence back, after he was promoted too quickly in 2001 and regressed. Axelson doesn't throw anything electric, with a fastball at 89-91 mph, a hard slider and a changeup that he's just starting to make good use of. When he has his mechanics and command in hand, though, he gets hitters out. Axelson can take a big step forward in the organization's plans with a good season in Double-A.