Graham Hicks

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Washington Nationals #19 prospect in 2010
  After his star turn at the 2008 Florida high school all-star game in Sebring, Fla., Hicks climbed into the fourth round of the draft. He turned down a scholarship offer from Central Florida to sign with Washington for an aboveslot $475,000 bonus. After making two appearances in his pro debut, Hicks broke his left middle finger during a fielding drill at the end of his first day in instructional league but was completely healthy by spring training in 2009. He spent the offseason working on making his legs stronger and showed up in minor league camp more than a month early. But Hicks struggled with his consistency and command at Vermont, so he was sent back to the Gulf Coast League, where he finished strong. Hicks garners frequent comparisons to Nationals lefthander Ross Detwiler for his tall, skinny frame and electric arm, and like a young Detwiler he must continue to add strength. He currently sits at 88-90 mph and touches 91 with his fastball, but he projects to add velocity as he matures. He flashes an average- to-plus curveball and an average changeup, but he's still working on his feel for both pitches. Hicks is a tough competitor and a good athlete. He has a tendency to open up his front side too quickly, and his command should improve as he learns to make his delivery more efficient. Hicks has as much upside as any pitcher in the system outside of Stephen Strasburg, but he has a long way to go. He figures to start 2010 in low Class A.
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  Ranked Washington Nationals #15 prospect in 2009
  Hicks made a name for himself at the Florida high school all-star game in Sebring, Fla., last spring, when scouts said he showed first-round talent. After signing for an above-slot $475,000 bonus as a fourth-rounder and making two appearances in his pro debut, Hicks broke his left middle finger fielding a ground ball in instructional league. The Nationals expect him to be back to 100 percent by spring training. With a long, lean frame, Hicks reminds some club officials of Ross Detwiler when he was in high school. He's similarly projectable, but Hicks already reached 92 mph with his fastball in high school, though he worked at 86-89 in his two pro outings. He has good feel for a curveball with tight, downward rotation, and he flashes an average changeup as well. He has a tendency to drift in his delivery, causing his elbow to get a little low, but other than that his arm action is clean and easy. With experience and refinement, Hicks has a chance to be a power lefty with three average or better pitches.