- Full name Matthew J Wheatland
- Born 10/18/1981 in
- Profile Ht.: 6'5" / Wt.: 215 / Bats: R / Throws: R
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Drafted in the 1st round (8th overall) by the Detroit Tigers in 2000 (signed for $2,150,000).
View Draft Report
With Scott Heard as his batterymate, Wheatland pitched in front of a throng of scouts every time out this spring. He didn't pitch well in April when his velocity dropped and he left too many balls up. He still should be a solid first-round pick, though going to his hometown Padres at No. 9 might be a little rich. He developed a forkball this spring, and some scouts say he overused it to the detriment of his fastball. Overall, he was 8-1, 2.39 with 84 strikeouts in 67 innings. When he's at his best, Wheatland compares favorably to a young Kevin Brown. He has similar size (6-foot-5, 210) and great sinking action on a 92-93 mph fastball.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Wheatland has pitched just 69 innings since signing as the eighth overall selection in the 2000 draft, as injuries have held him back. During his first summer in pro ball, he developed circulation problems in his right hand. His index finger would go numb, apparently caused by the grip on his breaking ball. In 2001, his throwing shoulder became loose and he missed most of the season. When Wheatland has thrown, he has been impressive. He works consistently in the low 90s with his fastball and has an outstanding breaking ball, considering his experience level. He has a good changeup as well, and his command and feel for pitching are strengths. It's just a matter of whether he'll get healthy or be a pitcher who consistently breaks down. Detroit will see what Wheatland looks like in spring training before determining his 2002 assignment. -
Wheatland started slowly last spring for national power Rancho Bernardo High but closed strong with several good outings in front of Detroit officials, including general manager Randy Smith. He and catcher Scott Heard, who went to the Rangers, became just the third pair of high school teammates to go in the first round of the same draft. Wheatland consistently tops 90 mph, with a sinking fastball that has been compared to Kevin Brown's. He has excellent command for a pitcher so young, walking just five batters in 46 pro innings. His breaking ball is an effective pitch and he has the makings of a good changeup. He wasn't as effective in Oneonta as in the Gulf Coast League, in part because he developed pain in his middle and index fingers while throwing his breaking pitch. The problem cleared up in instructional league but is a concern. His changeup needs improvement. Wheatland will start 2001 at West Michigan. With his poise and polish, he could advance quickly if the finger problem does not return.
Minor League Top Prospects
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The eighth overall choice in June, Wheatland was the highest pick from this year's draft to play in the NY-P until No. 1 pick Adrian Gonzalez joined Utica at the tail end of the season. Following a promotion from the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, where he also ranked as the No. 7 prospect, he recovered nicely from a couple of shaky starts. Wheatland struggled with his velocity this spring, but his fastball touched 93 and was consistently above 90 with Oneonta. In a doubleheader, Wilkerson liked what he saw of Wheatland and righthander Mark Woodyard, a fourth-round pick out of Bethune-Cookman. That night Woodyard looked a shade more polished, but Wheatland has the higher ceiling. "He has done an outstanding job in this league for someone his age, really all you could ask for," Oneonta manager Gary Green said. -
The eighth overall pick in the 2000 draft, Wheatland made just five starts in the GCL before finishing the year in the short-season New York-Penn League. His ability to throw his breaking ball at any point in the count led to his quick promotion. In 24 GCL innings, he walked one batter. Wheatland, one of two first-round picks from San Diego's Rancho Bernardo High, complemented his curveball with a 91-92 mph moving fastball. He also mixed in an effective dose of arrogance. "He's got a cocky side to him," Braves manager Rick Albert said. "He knows he's good."
Best Tools List
- Rated Best Control in the Detroit Tigers in 2001
Scouting Reports
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The eighth overall pick in the 2000 draft, Wheatland made just five starts in the GCL before finishing the year in the short-season New York-Penn League. His ability to throw his breaking ball at any point in the count led to his quick promotion. In 24 GCL innings, he walked one batter. Wheatland, one of two first-round picks from San Diego's Rancho Bernardo High, complemented his curveball with a 91-92 mph moving fastball. He also mixed in an effective dose of arrogance. "He's got a cocky side to him," Braves manager Rick Albert said. "He knows he's good." -
The eighth overall choice in June, Wheatland was the highest pick from this year's draft to play in the NY-P until No. 1 pick Adrian Gonzalez joined Utica at the tail end of the season. Following a promotion from the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, where he also ranked as the No. 7 prospect, he recovered nicely from a couple of shaky starts. Wheatland struggled with his velocity this spring, but his fastball touched 93 and was consistently above 90 with Oneonta. In a doubleheader, Wilkerson liked what he saw of Wheatland and righthander Mark Woodyard, a fourth-round pick out of Bethune-Cookman. That night Woodyard looked a shade more polished, but Wheatland has the higher ceiling. "He has done an outstanding job in this league for someone his age, really all you could ask for," Oneonta manager Gary Green said.
