- Full name Billy Simon
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Simon had the most frustrating 2003 of any Red Sox prospect. He entered the year ranked right behind Manny Delcarmen among the system's righthanders but never pitched in a game. Simon was bothered by a sore neck in spring training, tried to pitch through it and went on the disabled list in April. Doctors later diagnosed a hereditary verterbra condition, and Boston spent the offseason searching for a rehabilitation program that could get Simon back on the mound. On the positive side, the problem isn't believed to be career threatening and doesn't involve his arm. Before he was sidelined, Simon looked like a ninth-round steal out of Wellington Community High, which also produced first-rounders Bobby Bradley (1999), Sean Burnett (2000) and Justin Pope (2001 after attending Central Florida) and Brian Snyder (2003 after attending Stetson). Simon fell in the 2001 draft because of his commitment to Louisiana State yet signed for $325,000, fourth-round money. In 2002, he showed a 90-92 mph fastball with late sink, a hard overhand curveball and a developing changeup. He was the most impressive pitcher in Boston's instructional league camp after that season. With just 42 innings to show for three pro innings, Simon desperately needs innings and experience. It's uncertain when and where he'll return to the mound, but once healthy he could start to move quickly through the minors. -
Simon is part of the Wellington High pipeline that also includes recent first-round picks Bobby Bradley, Sean Burnett and Justin Pope. Simon projected as an early pick in 2001, but slid to the ninth round because he was committed to Louisiana State. The Red Sox signed him for $325,000, about fourth-round money. At 6-foot-6, Simon throws on a downward plane that makes it tough for hitters to get good swings against him. In his brief pro career, opponents have batted .189 without a homer against him. His fastball has plus velocity (90-92 mph) and life, with late sink. He throws a hard, overhand curveball and has a good feel for pitching. Simon has made progress with his changeup but still has work to do. His overall package is promising and his biggest need is experience. He has pitched just 42 innings since signing. Simon was the most impressive pitcher in Boston's instructional league camp, so he could develop quicker than expected. He'll open 2003 in low Class A.