- Full name Corby Medlin
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
Medlin has improved significantly since the Diamondbacks drafted him in the 22nd round out of high school in 2000. He went to San Jacinto (Texas) JC, got his fastball up to 90-92 mph during the spring and was pumping gas at 94-96 mph by the end of the summer. His unorthodox delivery evoked some thoughts of Robb Nen and Rockies prospect Craig House, and that wasn't necessarily meant as a compliment. His mechanics could lead to control issues or injury problems down the road. Medlin complements his fastball with a true power slider that features late break and depth. He limited Pioneer League hitters to a .185 average. Arizona is anxious to see if he can continue to overpower hitters at one of its full-season Class A affiliates this season.
Minor League Top Prospects
-
Most managers agreed that Medlin was the top closer prospect in the league. His awkward delivery and his overpowering fastball-slider combination reminded them of Robb Nen and Craig House. Medlin signed as a draft-and-follow this spring and wound up surprising everyone, including Diamondbacks brass. He touched 97 mph consistently with his fastball, which featured outstanding sinking action. He also showed a nasty slider with great movement. Medlin lacks consistency, and some managers said that his herky-jerky delivery could lead to control problems. Even so, he showed the ability to make rapid adjustments when his control got out of kilter. "He's got a great arm and he throws strikes," Silvestri said. "He's going to have to pitch a little more down the line, and he might start at some point in the minor leagues. But arms like his don't come around that often."