Tim Wood

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Miami Marlins #20 prospect in 2010
  Having overcome Tommy John surgery in July 2005 and a minor shoulder issue in 2008, Wood has proven he's a survivor. After forcing his way onto the 40-man roster following the 2008 season, Wood turned in a strong showing in Triple-A and handled himself well in his first taste of the big leagues. Despite his slender frame and unassuming appearance, Wood can run his fastball up to 94-95 mph with sink. He tends to get a little too rotational at times, which takes his slider off the plate to his arm side. But when he stays in line to the plate, his slider can be an out pitch. He also shows a hard changeup with plus action down in the zone. He has matured significantly in recent years and those who have worked with him praise his bulldog mentality. While there were some hiccups, nine of Wood's last 10 outings in the majors were scoreless, giving him a leg up on securing a full-time set-up spot in 2010.
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  Ranked Miami Marlins #17 prospect in 2009
  A former draft-and-follow pick, Wood succumbed to Tommy John surgery in 2005, midway through his third pro season. He had a breakthrough season despite a minor shoulder issue that cost him some time in 2008. He held Florida State Leauge hitters to a .182 average and while he initially found the going rough in Double-A, he didn't give up an earned run in seven appearances in the Southern League playoffs. He continued to pitch well in the Arizona Fall League, which earned him a spot on the 40-man roster. Working as many as three innings at a time during the regular season, Wood surprised those who might have made assumptions about him based on his unassuming, freckled appearance. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and touches 97 mph. When he gets on top of it, his heater features some natural sink. He also flashes a sharp power slider that has the making of an out pitch, and a hard changeup with plus action down in the zone. He throws strikes and keeps the ball down, surrendering just three homers in 60 innings last season. He figures to open 2009 back in Double-A, but he could bid for a shot at the Marlins' bullpen by midseason.