IP 204
ERA 3.309
WHIP 1.289
BB/9 2.956
SO/9 9.75
  • Full name Craig W. Baker
  • Born 01/31/1985 in Hemet, CA
  • Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Cal State Northridge
  • Drafted in the 4th round (108th overall) by the Colorado Rockies in 2006 (signed for $265,000).
    View Draft Report
    Baker doesn't have a track record of success, having posted a 7.19 career ERA over two seasons in the Cal State Northridge rotation. He has improved his ability to throw strikes, however, and has jumped up several notches on many draft boards. He was at his best early in the season, when he faced Friday starters on some of the top teams in the country, such as Arizona State, Washington, Oklahoma State and Arkansas. At his best, Baker showed solid control of an average fastball that sat in the 89-92 mph range, and his curveball was a plus pitch with depth and power. He throws it in the low 80s, and it has good depth whether he throws it for a strike or buries it in the dirt. He works the bottom of the zone with his curve and the top of the zone with his fastball, an approach he may have to change in pro ball if he can't get his heater by better hitters. His changeup remains a third pitch. He wore down as the season went on, and a hamstring injury limited his durability. The Matadors had moved him to the bullpen, a role that might suit him better as a pro.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Reliever in the California League in 2009
  • Rated Best Breaking Pitch in the California League in 2009

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