Ty Howington Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Ty Howington
Born
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Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Howington appeared on the cusp of the big leagues after reaching Double-A before his 21st birthday. But he has battled elbow and shoulder problems for much of the last two seasons and posted a 5.45 ERA in Double-A in that span. At his best--and he was close to it in the second half of 2003--Howington can pour 89-93 mph heat with above-average life in the strike zone. He has developed a good cutter to complement one of the most effective changeups in the system, and his curveball will be at least average. Howington hasn't gotten back to 94 mph, which he hit regularly in 2001, and his arm troubles are a concern. His velocity was in the mid-80s in early 2003. The injuries limited his range of motion, which affected his mechanics and arm action and ultimately his command. Coming off another encouraging showing in instructional league, Howington is ready for a fourth shot at Double-A at age 23. The Reds surprised many people by leaving him off their 40-man roster, but he was not taken in the Rule 5 draft. He has the potential to be a workhorse in the Andy Pettitte mold if he can stay healthy.
Considered the top southpaw in the 1999 draft, Howington has been stymied by injuries since signing for $1.75 million. He overcame arthroscopic elbow surgery in the spring of 2001 but wasn't as successful trying to work through shoulder tendinitis last year. He was shut down in April, returned in June, then had his season end in early August. The Reds expect Howington to regain the velocity on his plus fastball. He threw 92-94 mph prior to 2002, when he still got to 89 with a dead arm. His pitches have life down in the strike zone. He flashes an above-average curveball and good fading changeup. Howington's mechanical flaws are probably the root of his injuries. He was cutting his delivery off, putting unnecessary stress on his arm. More consistent mechanics not only will keep him healthy, but also will improve the quality of his three pitches. Howington was back throwing darts in instructional league, hitting 89-91 mph without pain. At 22, he's still on schedule and will try to re-establish himself in Double-A.
Arthroscopic elbow surgery in late March delayed the start of Howington's 2001 season, but he recovered smoothly to excel at both Class A levels and perform respectably in Double-A. That followed a 5- 15, 5.27 pro debut in 2000 at Class A Dayton, during which the Reds were pleased that he gained experience and showed durability by making every start. Howington aroused concern at the start of his pro career with his complicated delivery, but he has streamlined his mechanics. Proof comes in his fastball, which regularly travels at 92-93 mph. Howington's curveball and changeup are both effective when he finishes his delivery, giving them late life. He still needs the sheer repetition of performing a fundamentally sound delivery. Not only will that increase the effectiveness of his pitches, but it also will help him avoid future arm trouble. He must devote attention to his pickoff move. Howington is tentatively slated to open 2002 at Double-A Chattanooga. He's almost certain to reach Triple-A at some point.
Howington was considered the best high school lefthander available in the 1999 draft. The Reds chose him in the first round but didn't sign him until late August, preventing him from making his pro debut until 2000. He showed promise despite his ugly stats. Howington's lively fastball regularly reaches 95 mph. He complements it with an above-average curveball and a changeup. The Reds were thrilled that he managed to make every start in his first professional season, reflecting his physical and mental durability. With continued work on his mechanics, he should manage to improve the late life on his fastball and the break on his curve. He must develop consistency in his mechanics, which hindered his command and effectiveness last year. His delivery was considered unorthodox before the Reds tried to streamline it. As this ranking indicates, the Reds remain enthusiastic about Howington. He'll move up to Mudville in 2001 and probably won't be ready for the majors until sometime in 2003, at the earliest.

Minor League Top Prospects

Howington is another lefthander and Washington high school product who's having to put the pieces back together. He had arthroscopic elbow surgery in 2001 and shoulder tendinitis in 2002, and he opened this season throwing in the mid-80s. He regained the velocity on his fastball and went 4-2, 1.65 in his final starts with Potomac. But he too has mechanical flaws, and he got hammered when his command fell apart in Double-A. When he's on, his curveball can be a plus pitch and his changeup can be solid average. "I think he had a good year," Reds farm director Tim Naehring said. "He was sitting at 90 mph for most of the year and touched 93-94 occasionally. If he can consistently hit 89-91 with his changeup working, he'll be fine."