Drafted in the 17th round (519th overall) by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2000.
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Slaten was inconsistent as a starter, and more significant, he couldn't stay healthy, battling shoulder problems in his first few seasons in the system. He moved to the bullpen full-time in 2004, then made the major league club out of spring training last year. He was the primary lefty in an unheralded bullpen that helped carry the Diamondbacks into the playoffs. He still qualifies for this list because he amassed just 36 innings in his 61 appearances. Slaten attacks hitters with a fastball that ranges from 88-92 mph and a slurvy breaking ball. The breaking ball has good depth, and he can add and subtract from it. Both pitches become more effective because he throws them on a good downward plane and he locates well to both sides of the plate. He also improved his focus and confidence last season. Slaten must slow down his changeup to establish himself as more than just a situational lefty. His change runs in the mid-80s now, and he uses it only as a chase pitch for righthanders. He may also add a cut fastball to combat righties. Arizona used him in more than just left-on-left situations last year, and he pitched anywhere from the fifth inning to the end of the game, though the bulk of his appearances were in the seventh and eighth. Slaten will return to a setup role in 2008, and the Diamondbacks hope he's not done improving.
When the Diamondbacks took Slaten last June, they quickly learned how serious he was about pitching at UCLA. He already had spurned a significant offer from the Orioles as a draft-and-follow, and Bruins coach Gary Adams does an exceptional job of recruiting, so the Diamondbacks decided to do so as well. They flew Slaten and his family to Phoenix to attend a game at Bank One Ballpark, let him throw a bullpen session under the watchful eye of then-pitching coach Mark Connor and introduced him to some of the Arizona players. The capper came when Slaten walked into the Diamondbacks clubhouse and found a jersey with his name on the back hanging in one of the empty lockers. He signed soon after his visit. He has the frame to get stronger and add velocity to his 90 mph sinker. He also throws a nifty curveball and added a circle changeup as a sophomore at Pierce. Slaten stands a reasonable chance to start the season at Lancaster, about an hour's drive from where he grew up in Southern California.
Career Transactions
LHP Doug Slaten elected free agency.
Pittsburgh Pirates sent Doug Slaten outright to Indianapolis Indians.
Pittsburgh Pirates designated Doug Slaten for assignment.
Indianapolis Indians designated Doug Slaten for assignment.
Pittsburgh Pirates optioned LHP Doug Slaten to Indianapolis Indians.
Pittsburgh Pirates selected the contract of Doug Slaten from Indianapolis Indians.
Doug Slaten assigned to Indianapolis Indians.
Pittsburgh Pirates signed free agent LHP Doug Slaten to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.
LHP Doug Slaten elected free agency.
Washington Nationals activated LHP Doug Slaten from the 15-day disabled list.
Hagerstown Suns sent LHP Doug Slaten on a rehab assignment to Syracuse Chiefs.
Doug Slaten assigned to Hagerstown Suns.
Hagerstown Suns sent LHP Doug Slaten on a rehab assignment to Harrisburg Senators.
Doug Slaten assigned to Hagerstown Suns.
sent LHP Doug Slaten on a rehab assignment to GCL Nationals.
Washington Nationals placed LHP Doug Slaten on the 15-day disabled list. left elbow ulnar neuritis
Washington Nationals selected the contract of LHP Doug Slaten from Syracuse Chiefs.
Doug Slaten assigned to Washington Nationals.
Washington Nationals invited non-roster LHP Doug Slaten to spring training.
Washington Nationals sent Doug Slaten outright to Syracuse Chiefs.
Washington Nationals designated Doug Slaten for assignment.
Washington Nationals claimed LHP Doug Slaten off waivers from Arizona Diamondbacks.
Doug Slaten roster status changed by Arizona Diamondbacks.
Arizona Diamondbacks optioned Doug Slaten to Reno Aces.
Arizona Diamondbacks recalled Doug Slaten from Reno Aces.
Arizona Diamondbacks optioned Doug Slaten to Reno Aces.
Arizona Diamondbacks recalled Doug Slaten from Reno Aces.
Arizona Diamondbacks optioned Doug Slaten to Reno Aces.
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