- Full name Jeremy Ward
- Born
- Profile Throws: L
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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As it did with John Patterson, Tommy John surgery knocked Ward off of the fast track. After signing out of Long Beach State as a second-rounder in 1999, he reached Triple-A in his first pro summer and posted a 1.62 ERA in the Arizona Fall League. He caught the attention of everyone in the organization in big league camp the following spring, when he nearly made the club. After that fast start, though, Ward missed almost all of 2000 and spent last year reestablishing his overpowering two-pitch arsenal. He experienced a minor setback in July with elbow discomfort, but bounced back and finished strong. After reaching the mid-90s in the past, Ward's fastball has settled in at 90-92 mph to go with a hard slider. He always has had an aggressive mentality and isn't afraid to challenge hitters. He joined fellow Diamondbacks farmhand Chris Capuano on Team USA's staff last fall at the World Cup in Taiwan, where he made three scoreless appearances as the U.S. won the silver medal. If Ward can stay healthy, he could be one of the first arms in line to help rebuild the Arizona bullpen. -
The Diamondbacks kept their eye on Ward even though his stocked dropped during his junior year at Long Beach State. He didn't disappoint them as a second-round pick in 1999, vaulting all the way to Triple-A in less than a half-season. Former Diamondbacks manager Buck Showalter raved about Ward last spring, and it was easy to see why. Ward possessed the fearlessness of a veteran reliever instead of someone in his first major league camp. But reconstructive right elbow surgery shelved him for nearly all of 2000. Before his injury, Ward threw 94 mph and had a sharp slider. He probably won't return until midseason because of his rehabilitation, and his maximum-effort delivery is a cause of concern. He hasn't thrown an offspeed pitch since moving to the bullpen. He struggled with his control before the severity of his elbow injury was diagnosed. He also gained extra weight on a thick body during the layoff. The Diamondbacks can afford to be patient with Ward, who isn't required to be placed on the 40-man roster because he's just entering his third professional season. He already has received a taste of major league camp and a severe injury, so nothing should faze him. He loves to compete, and Arizona's biggest task may be to keep Ward from rushing back too quickly.