- Full name Brandon DeJaynes
- Born
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DeJaynes hurt his arm early in his career at Quincy (Ill.) University and spent two years as a full-time outfielder before returning to the mound. He was the NCAA Division II pitcher of the year in 2003, when he led that level in ERA (10-1, 0.71) and finished second in strikeouts per nine innings (12.8). Because he was a fifth-year senior, the Cardinals were able to sign him as a free agent before the draft. DeJaynes' combination of a nasty curveball and deceptive arm action has made him nearly impossible to hit at the lower levels of the minors. In 2004, he ranked third among minor league relievers in opponent batting average (.156) and fourth in strikeouts per nine (13.4). DeJaynes doesn't have a whole lot else going for him, as his fastball sits in the high 80s and his control is shaky. At 23, he was much older than most of the low Class A hitters he dominated last year. But with his curve, he'll keep getting chances until he stops getting outs. Because of his age, St. Louis will try to get him to Double-A at some point this year.