- Full name Matt Butler
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Butler showed the Braves exactly what they hoped to see during the second half last year. After Matt Belisle was promoted to Myrtle Beach at midseason, Butler took over as Macon's No. 1 starter and dominated down the stretch. His best performance came on Aug. 20, when Butler retired 20 of the first 21 batters he faced to record his second shutout of the season. Atlanta's first pick (second round) in the 1999 draft, Butler began his professional career by allowing one run or less in seven of his 11 outings in the Gulf Coast League. He added to that performance last year by finishing one win behind the league leader and ranking fifth in ERA in the South Atlantic League. Butler is a power pitcher who throws his four-seam fastball in the low 90s. He showed improvement with his changeup as the season progressed last year. His primary needs center on keeping his pitches low in the strike zone and upgrading his command. Butler also would be more effective if he tightened the spin on his breaking ball. Plans call for him to open the 2001 season at Myrtle Beach, with a midseason promotion to Double-A a possibility.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Butler finished among the league’s leaders in wins and ERA, though the Braves were more impressed that he smoothed out his delivery and gained consistency. He can throw in the mid-90s when everything is working properly, though erratic mechanics cost him velocity and first-round draft status a year ago. Butler is aggressive and must fight the urge to overthrow. His secondary pitches need work but his potential is obvious. "He’s a warrior out there," Gutierrez said. "He doesn’t let anything bother him. He’s always focused on the game.
Scouting Reports
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Butler finished among the league’s leaders in wins and ERA, though the Braves were more impressed that he smoothed out his delivery and gained consistency. He can throw in the mid-90s when everything is working properly, though erratic mechanics cost him velocity and first-round draft status a year ago. Butler is aggressive and must fight the urge to overthrow. His secondary pitches need work but his potential is obvious. "He’s a warrior out there," Gutierrez said. "He doesn’t let anything bother him. He’s always focused on the game.