Drafted in the 12th round (351st overall) by the Cincinnati Reds in 2003 (signed for $30,000).
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Concordia RHP Jim Paduch, who resembles Brandon Duckworth, has an 87-91 mph fastball. He needs to add life to that pitch and refine his curveball and changeup.
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The 2003 Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference player of the year, Paduch was primarily a shortstop in his first two years of college, pitching only in relief. The Reds credit area scout Mike Keenan for identifying Paduch as a sleeper. While not overpowering, he has the ability to locate his 87-91 mph fastball. He also varies speeds with a changeup and two types of breaking balls. He was invited to throw out the first pitch before a game at Great American Ball Park after clinching the Pioneer League championship with a no-hitter. Paduch's poise and advanced feel for pitching might earn him a quick promotion to high Class A to start 2004.
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