Drafted in the 4th round (108th overall) by the Kansas City Royals in 2002.
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Christensen has improved significantly over the last year and ranks as the top prospect in the state. His 6-foot-2, 190-pound body is in much better shape, resulting in a faster arm and a sharper breaking ball. He throws three pitches for strikes, with a fastball at 86-88 mph that touches 90. Christensen, along with teammates Chris Garcia and Michael Hernandez, have committed to Daytona Beach (Fla.) CC, enhancing their signability.
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Christensen came out of Brooklyn's Xaverian High, the same school as Rich Aurilia and Orioles 2006 supplemental first-rounder Pedro Beato. He showed up in spring training out of shape for his first full pro season in 2003 and went 1-12, then made just one start in 2004 before needing Tommy John surgery. Christensen has put himself back on the prospect map the last two years. Though not overpowering, he succeeds with an excellent feel for pitching and above-average command of an 85-89 mph fastball. He wasn't afraid to attack the strike zone despite the favorable hitting conditions he faced at High Desert and in the California League. He also flashes an average curveball and a plus changeup that's effective against righthanders with it's down-and-away life. Command is typically the last thing that comes back after Tommy John surgery, and Christensen still is working on locating his secondary pitches. That will be key for him, as his fastball velocity offers little margin for error. After surviving High Desert, he'll begin this season in Double-A.
Christensen had a promising pro debut in 2002, but his next couple of years were ugly. He arrived in spring training out of shape in 2003 and went 1-12 in low Class A, then worked just three innings in 2004 before needing Tommy John surgery. The injury and rehab process brought Christensen perspective, and he came to spring training in excellent shape last year. Though he won just three games for a mediocre Burlington team, he had the best season of his career and finished it off by ringing up 27 strikeouts in 15 innings over his last three starts. He's at his best when he's painting both sides of the plate with his 91- 92 mph fastball early in the count, then sending hitters back to the dugout with a curveball that features 1-to-7 tilt. Christensen throws both pitches for strikes and shows a good feel for pitching. His changeup is average, but he's gaining confidence and command with it. He's around the plate a lot, so leaving pitches up in the zone remains a dangerous proposition. He'll move to the rotation at High Desert, where making a bad pitch can offer even scarier results. He profiles as a No. 4 starter.
A strong pro debut earned Christensen comparisons to fellow 2002 high school draftee Zack Greinke. They have a similar competitive nature, polish and feel for pitching. Christensen was expected to leap to high Class A in 2003, but he reported to spring training pudgy and out of shape after developing poor eating habits. As a result, he tired quickly, struggled to finish his pitches and left the ball up in the zone to get blasted--especially by lefties, who hit .355 against him. He ended up tied for second in the Midwest League with 12 losses before getting sent down to the Arizona League, where he made adjustments and regrouped. Christensen also spent time on the disabled list with a blister on his middle finger, which came from throwing his big-breaking curveball, a plus pitch when he throws it for strikes. His fastball has plenty of life at 87-90 mph, topping out at 92. He also throws a circle changeup. The Royals challenged Christensen to get in better shape, and he hired a personal trainer for the offseason. He also needs to improve his command. He likely will head back to low Class A to start 2004.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Christensen doesn't drive and uses a passport for identification in lieu of a driver's license. He made himself a top draft prospect with a marked improvement on the mound as a high school senior. That earned him a $308,000 bonus as a fourth-round pick. Christensen works with an 85-90 mph fastball that tails, sinks and occasionally reaches 92 mph. An offseason conditioning program could help him increase his velocity. His curveball and changeup are both potential plus pitches. He understands when to use his circle changeup and has a good overall feel for pitching. Christensen needs to be able to control his sweeping curveball better and throw more strikes with it. And while he can command his fastball, he must learn how to work both sides of the plate more effectively. His mechanics are nearly perfect and he hides the ball well. With a bulldog mentality on the mound, Christensen is similar to 2002 first-rounder Zack Grienke. Both are polished for prep pitchers and could advance rapidly. Christensen, who profiles as a middle-of-the- rotation starter, should start 2003 in low Class A. Jumping a level to high Class A isn't out of the question either, based on his strong showing at short-season Spokane, as well as his makeup and the Royals' willingness to aggressively promote young prospects.
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