- Full name Terence Byron
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Byron made the top 10 after a standout debut season in 1999 but took a few steps back in his sophomore campaign. A Virgin Islands native, Byron has a hammer-like changeup and a fastball that has hit 94 mph. But he couldn't stay healthy enough to maximize those weapons. He missed time early in the season with a stress fracture in his shin, then missed a few turns late in the year with shoulder tendinitis. Byron claims his circle change is self-taught, the grip stolen from a Baseball America photo of Pedro Martinez. His curveball needs work. He's listed at 6 feet but is really closer to 5-foot-9. He has a short, stocky build and puts weight on easily. This has drawn comparisons to everyone from Mel Rojas to Rich Garces. In fact, the Marlins lectured Byron about his weight at instructional league, where his shoulder woes kept him from throwing at all. Byron attended community college to enhance his draft status. He earned a scholarship from Louisiana State, which he turned down to sign for $350,000, the lowest among 1999's second-rounders. If he continues to struggle with his curve, a move to the bullpen is possible, particularly with the starting depth throughout the system. -
Background: A native of the Virgin Islands, Byron attended a U.S. junior college to enhance his draft status. The Louisiana State signee slipped to the 53rd overall pick and signed for just $350,000, the lowest figure in the second round. Strengths: Byron's fastball touches 94 with good movement, but it's his devastating changeup that puts him on this list. His arm speed and deception are perfect, and the change tumbles out with fastball spin at 78 mph. Byron claims the change is self-taught, the circle grip stolen from a Baseball America photo of Pedro Martinez. Weaknesses: He has a short, stocky build but compensates with a long, loose arm that is atypical for someone his size. His curve is below average and he tends to overthrow. The Future: Byron figures to start 2000 at Kane County. He projects as a solid No. 4 starter. If he continues to struggle with his curve, a move to the bullpen is possible down the line, particularly with the Marlins' remarkable starting depth.
Minor League Top Prospects
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This guy is legit, one manager said with feeling. "He has three plus pitches, but the most impressive thing is that he throws completely within himself. You know he can hit 95 when he wants to but he pitches at 91-92 with great life." Byron gets excellent sinking movement on his changeup, which should help him move quickly if he can continue to command it. Byron also throws a hard curveball consistently for strikes. One concern scouts had with him this spring was his stout body, which is unconventional for a pitching prospect. Byron is a native of the Virgin Islands who moved to Florida to play high school and junior college baseball before being drafted in the second round by the Marlins this year.
