- Full name Shane Bazzell
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Bazzell needed three tries at high Class A before finding success in 2001. He hit the wall again in Double-A last year, surrendering 17 runs in his first two starts and posting a 6.02 ERA before the A's moved him into the bullpen in mid-June. Suddenly, he was a changed man. In relief, Bazzell could challenge hitters without having to worry about pacing himself or maintaining concentration for several innings. He hit 95 mph with his fastball, which he complements with a slider and splitter. As a starter, he tried to use seven different pitches, but from the bullpen he limits himself to his three best weapons. His fastball and slider are both plus pitches. He may just be starting to find himself as a pitcher. He could move rapidly, though he'll return to Double-A at the start of 2003 to work on his command.