Christian Friedrich (Credit: Chris Radcliffe)
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Biographical Data | |
| Player Name: | Christian Friedrich |
| Position: | Starting Pitcher |
| School: | Eastern Kentucky University |
| School Type: | College |
| Academic Class: | Junior |
| Birthdate: | 07/08/87 |
| Height: | 6'3" |
| Weight: | 210 lbs. |
| Bats: | Right |
| Throws: | Left |
| Report Date(s): | 04/05/08 |
| Game(s): | Tennessee Tech |
Focus Area | Comments |
| Fastball: | Friedrich's fastball is average to plus. He pitches comfortably with average velocity that ranges anywhere from 88 to 93 mph. |
| Fastball movement: | It's slightly below average, but projects to be average in the future. There's more when he keeps it down in the zone. |
| Slider: | It's more like a cutter and he throws it 83-85 mph. |
| Curve: | It's an above-average pitch which he throws 72-76 mph. |
| Changeup: | He doesn't throw it much, but it's slightly below average now, 82-83 mph, and projects to be an average pitch in the future. |
| Control: | His command is slightly below average -- he's struggled with walks at times -- but it projects to be average. |
| Poise: | Nothing wrong here. He's got good makeup and competes well on the mound. |
| Physical Description: | Friedrich is a pretty big, strong lefty with a body type similar to Joe Saunders. |
| Medical Update: | He missed one start in mid-April with a groin injury, but has come back and pitched well since. |
| Strengths: | Four pitches that project to be at least average, led by his fastball and curve. |
| Weaknesses: | His command has been inconsistent. He is what he is, a No. 3 starter-type with good stuff and average command in the future. |
| Summary: | College lefties are always in high demand and, truth be told, there aren't that many upper-echelon ones out there this year. Behind San Diego's Brian Matusz, Friedrich is likely the best -- especially once he gains more consistent command -- with a repetoire that should land him in the middle of a big-league rotation in short order. Matusz may go first, but it shouldn't take long for Friedrich to hear his name, either. |