Matt Campbell
| IP | 138 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.63 |
| WHIP | 1.471 |
| BB/9 | 4.174 |
| SO/9 | 6.913 |
- Full name Matthew Blake Campbell
- Born 12/27/1982 in Greenville, SC
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 180 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- School South Carolina
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Drafted in the 1st round (29th overall) by the Kansas City Royals in 2004 (signed for $1,100,000).
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Campbell gradually evolved into the Gamecocks' No. 1 starter and was moving up draft boards on the strength of dominant efforts against Alabama and Kentucky, two of the Southeastern Conference's weaker teams. Campbell worked as a reliever for Team USA last summer, and most scouts agree that if he doesn't cut it as a starter he would at least be a solid lefty specialist in the bullpen. Campbell commands an above-average curveball well. He's added a slider and a good changeup since coming to South Carolina, but his propensity for throwing breaking stuff has hurt his velocity. While he touched the low 90s out of the pen last summer, he worked in the 85-89 mph range for most of the spring.
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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Kansas City selected Campbell and J.P. Howell two picks apart at Nos. 29 and 31 in 2004, but their career arcs have been vastly different. Howell won his major league debut June 11, less than a year after signing, while Campbell made just two starts after that date before having season-ending labrum surgery. The Royals believe Campbell threw too many curveballs at South Carolina, where he pitched the Gamecocks to three College World Series in his three seasons, but don't think that's totally to blame for his shoulder troubles. Campbell should be ready for spring training, though he might need some time to regain his arm strength after surgery. Signed for $1.1 million, he hasn't displayed consistent velocity as a pro because of his shoulder problems. His fastball has topped out at 92 mph but also peaked at 82 on other occasions. When healthy, he features a fastball with average velocity, plus command and tailing life away from righthanders. His curve's big 2-to-7 break makes it a plus pitch. His changeup has the potential to become an average offering. The Royals selected Campbell for his polish and poise, thinking he'd move quickly. That won't happen now, and he won't start 2006 above high Class A. -
The Royals grabbed a pair of similar college lefthanders with the 29th and 31st picks in last June's draft, taking Campbell ahead of J.P. Howell and signing him for $1.1 million. Campbell has slightly better pure stuff, as he throws his fastball with more velocity (87-91 mph) and generates a bigger break on his 2-to-7 curveball that hitters often swing through. Howell has better command and feel for pitching. Campbell was worn out after pitching South Carolina to the College World Series for the third time in three years, and wasn't at his best in his pro debut. Kansas City shut him down early and expects to see the true Campbell in 2005. As with his South Carolina teammate Billy Buckner, the Royals want Campbell to use his fastball more often than he did in college. They figure his heater, which features arm-side tail, could gain velocity as he throws it more and improves his conditioning work. Campbell can locate his fastball to both sides of the plate, and he shows promise with his changeup. He may begin 2005 in low Class A but could advance fast.
