Danny Danielson
| IP | 91 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 3.462 |
| WHIP | 1.264 |
| BB/9 | 2.176 |
| SO/9 | 10.484 |
- Full name Danny R. Danielson
- Born 12/12/1988 in Phenix City, AL
- Profile Ht.: 6'4" / Wt.: 220 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Russell County
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Drafted in the 7th round (236th overall) by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2007 (signed for $119,500).
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Danielson's delivery is clean and his arm works well. He logged more than 95 innings, and perhaps as a result of his workload the 92 mph fastballs he was dealing in March and April were more 88-89 mph down the stretch. His changeup is a plus offering and his curveball is average. He made strides in his feel for pitching, and he shows solid-average command of all three of his pitches, indicated by 128-20 strikeout-walk totals this spring.
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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Danielson comes from the Russell County High (Seale, Ala.) program that produced three first- or sandwich- round picks form 2006-07 in Colby (Cardinals) and Cory Rasmus (Braves) and Kasey Kiker (Rangers). A seventh-rounder in 2007, Danielson has spent all three of his pro seasons in Rookie ball. However, he took a major step forward last year when he reported to spring training having shed 30 pounds after ballooning to 250 by the end of the 2008 season. The Dodgers would like to see him continue to improve his strength and conditioning, believing that would add velocity to a fastball that sometimes touches 93 mph but usually sits at 88-89. He has an outstanding changeup, rare for a pitcher so inexperienced, and a curveball that gets loopy at times. He worked on a slider during instructional league at end of last season. Danielson has good command of all his pitches and is noted for his willingness to be coached. The time has come for him to step up to full-season ball, and he'll start 2010 in low Class A.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Danielson is a product of Russell County (Ala.) High, the same school that produced first-round or sandwich picks Kasey Kiker and Colby and Cory Rasmus. A seventh-rounder in 2007, Daniels pitched just 30 innings in his first two years as a pro. After losing 30 pounds in the offseason, he completed an entire season and managers noted his ability to put hitters away. "This is the first season we've had him healthy through the whole season," Culver said. "He's made huge strides. He's been a pleasant surprise." Danielson's fastball topped out at 88-89 mph in 2009, though he reached 93 in the past. His best pitch is an outstanding changeup, and he also uses a big, slow curveball. Culver believes that Danielson will need a harder breaking ball in order to remain a starter, so he may switch to a slider.
