Zach Hammes

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #15 prospect in 2007
  Following three straight years in low Class A with a combined ERA of 5.00, Hammes figured things out last year. He moved to the bullpen in 2005, and now that he pitches exclusively from the stretch, his delivery is simpler and more balanced than it was from the windup. He was added to the 40-man roster following the season. Hammes was clocked at 93 mph during his senior season in high school, but he was pitching around 88 before he cleaned up his delivery. He was up to 97 in Hawaii Winter Baseball, where he collected five saves as North Shore's closer. He sits at 92-94. His slider comes in at 81-84 with three-quarter tilt. It breaks out of his hand, but his 6-foot-6 frame and three-quarters arm slot give it enough angle and depth to grade as an above-average offering. His changeup is a legitimate third pitch that he uses effectively against lefthanders. Hammes' command is below average. He works deep counts and tends to miss up in the zone. He doesn't have exceptional feel for pitching. He should spend most of 2007 in Double-A.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #30 prospect in 2004
  When it comes to drafting pitchers, the Dodgers like tall, projectable lefties a la Greg Miller and big, strong righthanders along the lines of Jonathan Broxton. At 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, Hammes falls into the latter category. Scouting director Logan White blew out his elbow as a minor league pitchers, and two of his main points of emphasis for pitchers are good mechanics and clean arm action. Hammes has the arm action part down but has spent most of his first two seasons trying to get his delivery ironed out. He has made strides yet still needs to continue improving his flexibility. Hammes has trouble finishing his delivery because he has a short stride and often cuts his pitches off, thus taking some of the natural power away from his stuff. He tops out at 92-93 mph and sits at 88-91 with his fastball. He has a power curveball but is inconsistent, occasionally hanging it. He has a feel for a straight changeup. Once Hammes learns to repeat his delivery, he'll benefit from additional velocity and command and start to move fast. He could return to low Class A to begin 2004.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #22 prospect in 2003
  Like Joel Hanrahan, Hammes was signed out of Iowa by area scout Mitch Webster. Hammes is a giant on the mound, with more of an overpowering approach than Hanrahan. Hammes throws a power curveball rather than Hanrahan's nasty slider. Hammes' fastball features more explosive late life with projectable velocity. He already tops out in the 92-93 mph range. Without a spring high school season in Iowa, he has low mileage on his arm, though he did show his stuff for scouts in the Perfect Game spring scout league and various showcase events. He established himself as a premium pick at the predraft showcase last April. Because of his frame, effortless arm action and limited experience, he should reach the mid-90s. Dodgers pitching instructors will focus on improving Hammes' lower half in his delivery, which also should produce more power. He shows a feel for a straight changeup. Hanrahan jumped straight to a full-season Class A league in his second season, but Hammes might be better served staying in extended spring training to work on his delivery and offspeed stuff.