- Full name Brad Baisley
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
- School Land O' Lakes (Fla.) HS
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Arm injuries have wrecked the development of Baisley, who once was considered the Phillies' best pitching prospect after Brett Myers and now profiles as a back-of-the-rotation starter. The elbow tenderness that shortened Baisley's 2000 season also ate into his performance the following year, when he missed most of spring training and didn't get to Double-A until mid-May. He then struggled through his worst pro season. A frayed labrum held Baisley back in 2002. It wasn't a tear and minor surgery in the fall cleaned it up. He should return at 100 percent for 2003. He offers three solid-average pitches: a 90 mph fastball, a curveball and a changeup. The curve rates as a potential out pitch. The 6-foot-9 Baisley needs to stay on top of the ball and throw downhill more, as he often drops his arm angle, losing control and velocity. Though he pitched better last year, he didn't intimidate Eastern League hitters. While the injuries might have frustrated a lot of players, Baisley's background--his dad is a high school coach--and makeup have kept him focused on returning. The Phillies will take it slow with Baisley, starting him at Double-A again this year. -
Baisley ranked third on this list entering 2001, trailing only Jimmy Rollins and Brett Myers. Elbow tenderness restricted Baisley to 89 innings in 2000, and the repercussions of the injury carried over into last year, when he was at his worst in Double-A. After missing most of spring training, he didn't join Reading until May. He began rushing his delivery, causing him to lose his leverage on his pitches. High hopes remain for the athletic and lanky Baisley, whose velocity didn't return to 91-93 mph until the final month of the season. His curveball is still a potential knockout pitch, and his changeup should be reliable enough to keep hitters off balance. After battling injuries for two years, Baisley desperately needs a healthy season to learn his body and mechanics. With all of the righthanded pitching prospects brewing in the system, he can't afford further setbacks. -
On the heels of Baisley's breakout 1999 campaign, expectations were sky-high entering last season. A tender elbow forced the lanky righthander to sit out most of the summer as a precautionary measure. He was back on track by instructional league. At 6-foot-9, Baisley uses his size as a weapon, bearing down on hitters with a lively 89-93 mph fastball that could improve, and a sharp curveball. His balanced delivery also gives him an advantage, as his stuff bores on hitters from a tough downward angle. Like many of the young Phillies pitchers, Baisley demonstrates an advanced understanding of what he's doing on the mound. Baisley changes speeds well, though his changeup lacks consistency at this point. It shows promise as an effective third option. His body still is growing and there may be some necessary mechanical adjustments to make along the way to avoid further injury. Despite having last season interrupted by tendinitis, Baisley is expected to compete for a spot in Double-A Reading's rotation in 2001. His ceiling ranks right below Brett Myers', as a potential No. 2 or 3 starter who should be ready for the majors in a couple of years. -
Background: The towering Baisley was better known as a basketball player before last spring, when his fastball jumped from 87 to 93 mph. He was a first-round pick on many teams' draft lists. Strengths: Baisley is a surprisingly agile athlete for someone his size. He has loose, easy arm action and is able to get an excellent plane to all his pitches. While he pitches aggressively with his fastball now, the Phillies think his curveball could become his best pitch in the future. Weaknesses: Baisley will never remind anyone of Mark McGwire physically but he'll need to gain a few pounds of muscle as he matures. He needs to gain more consistency with his fastball and work more on refining his changeup. The Future: Because of his athleticism and sound pitching mechanics, Baisley will be able to compete and advance right away--unusual for a tall, projectable pitcher. Phillies officials try to moderate their enthusiasm for Baisley by citing his age and lack of experience, but it is evident they are thrilled about his potential.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Still a relatively raw talent, Baisley went from a basketball prospect with an 87-mph fastball to a dominant pitcher with a 93-mph fastball over his last year of high school. The progress continues as Baisley developed his fastball/curveball package while showing superb control and mature mechanics. "He was as good as any pitcher in the league," Montoyo said. "He has good command of three pitches and threw them at any time in the count." Baisley can and must add weight to his frame. Otherwise, there's not much to complain about. The fastball ought to his best pitch, but the curve has come along so quickly, it's hard to tell.
