• Full name Michael Matthew Bowden
  • Born 09/09/1986 in Winfield, IL
  • Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 215 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Waubonsie Valley
  • Debut 08/30/2008
  • Drafted in the C-1 round (47th overall) by the Boston Red Sox in 2005 (signed for $730,000).
    View Draft Report
    Bowden was making a salary drive a month before the draft, throwing a seven-inning perfect game with 19 strikeouts in front of a slew of scouts. After allowing a three-run homer in his first start of the season, he has surrendered just one earned run since while establishing himself as a solid supplemental first-round pick. Bowden showed consistently good stuff all spring, pitching at 90-92 mph every time out and backing up his fastball with a plus curveball. He also has an advanced changeup for a high school pitcher and a strong frame. Bowden's delivery is a little unorthodox, but he repeats it well and throws strikes. He'll have to refine his location at the next level and should be able to do so. He's a quality athlete--one scouting director clocked him in 4.2 seconds from the right side of the plate to first base--and scouts rave about his makeup.

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Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Control in the Boston Red Sox in 2009
  • Rated Best Changeup in the Eastern League in 2008
  • Rated Best Control in the Boston Red Sox in 2008
  • Rated Best Control in the Boston Red Sox in 2007

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