- Full name Josh Girdley
- Born
- Profile Throws: L
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Girdley went sixth overall in the 1999 draft because he was willing to accept a below-market $1.7 million bonus. After a positive start to his career, he has missed the majority of the past two years and is starting to lose his luster. He was involved in a motorcycle accident after the 2000 season and has had shoulder problems. Girdley still has considerable talent, but 2003 is a huge year for him as he needs to prove he can pitch a full season and get back on track toward the majors. He's a projectable lefthander with an easy arm stroke and the potential for three above-average pitches. He's still building up his arm strength and threw his fastball at 85-91 mph with late life last year. He also has a tight 74-76 mph curveball with excellent two-plane break, and a solid changeup. He'll open the season in low Class A for the third straight year, as the Expos wait for him to get healthy and pitch to his ability. -
Montreal drafted Girdley sixth overall in 1999, signing him for a below-market $1.7 million, which was the second-lowest bonus in the top 15 picks. He dominated the short-season New York-Penn League in 2000 and the Expos were excited about seeing him in full-season ball. But an offseason motorcycle accident derailed him. After missing all of April, Girdley managed to start just six games with Clinton before a sore elbow shut him down for the year. He has received a clean bill of health and will be ready for the start of 2002. Girdley is a projectable lefthander with the potential for three plus pitches: a low-90s fastball with late life, a curveball with excellent two-plane break and a developing changeup. He has a smooth easy arm action and does an outstanding job of repeating his delivery. Lee should start the season with Clinton, and a good start could put him in Jupiter by midseason. -
Girdley gained national notoriety when he stuck out 29 batters in a 10-inning game in high school in 1999. The Expos have seen no need to rush him, keeping him in short-season leagues for two years. He dominated the New York-Penn League last year and was named the circuit's No. 3 prospect. Girdley has a projectable body with long arms and legs. He comes at batters with three above-average pitches: a 92-93 mph fastball with late life, a curveball that has a tight downward rotation, and a changeup that he throws with excellent arm speed. His mechanics are smooth and effortless, which gives him the potential for plus command, and he does an outstanding job of repeating his delivery. Girdley is physically immature and needs to add weight and strength. Expos officials rave about the way he competes but would like to see him pitch inside more. He missed instructional league with a double hernia but should be fine by spring training. Girdley projects as a frontline starter. He'll get his first taste of full-season ball in 2001 with Montreal's new low Class A Clinton affiliate.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Anyone who strikes out 29 batters in a high school game must throw hard, and that's definitely the case with Girdley. This year, though, he also showed an improved changeup as he was able to complete an undefeated season. "He hits 92-93 with his fastball, has an above-average breaking ball and an above-average changeup," said Tim Leiper, his manager at Vermont. "All I know is the guy really goes out, really competes. He's looked good the whole season and improved a lot during the season." Lowell manager Arnie Beyeler lumped Girdley and Mahoning Valley lefthander Brian Tallet together. Tallet started the College World Series finale for national champion Louisiana State, but he doesn't throw quite as hard as Girdley and just missed making the Top 20. "Girdley has a good feel for pitching and he spots his fastball well," Beyeler said. "He's always right around the plate."
Scouting Reports
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Anyone who strikes out 29 batters in a high school game must throw hard, and that's definitely the case with Girdley. This year, though, he also showed an improved changeup as he was able to complete an undefeated season. "He hits 92-93 with his fastball, has an above-average breaking ball and an above-average changeup," said Tim Leiper, his manager at Vermont. "All I know is the guy really goes out, really competes. He's looked good the whole season and improved a lot during the season." Lowell manager Arnie Beyeler lumped Girdley and Mahoning Valley lefthander Brian Tallet together. Tallet started the College World Series finale for national champion Louisiana State, but he doesn't throw quite as hard as Girdley and just missed making the Top 20. "Girdley has a good feel for pitching and he spots his fastball well," Beyeler said. "He's always right around the plate."