Fightins Prospect Profile: Zach Eflin and Tom Windle

Duo nabbed in Jimmy Rollins trade look to figure into Reading's 2015 season

By Eric Scarcella

January 30, 2015

Over the course of the coming weeks, Fightins.com will profile the Top 10 Prospects in the Philadelphia Phillies organization according to MLB.com. Analysts project that 9 of the Top 10 players could see time in Baseballtown during the 2015 season, making Baseballtown the place to see to witness the stars of tomorrow as they make their way to the City of Brotherly Love.

In December, the Philadelphia Phillies traded one of their franchise cornerstones in shortstop and 1999 Reading alum Jimmy Rollins to the Los Angeles Dodgers. That deal saw the return of two rising pitching prospects in no. 5 prospect Zach Eflin and no.6 prospect Tom Windle.

In 24 starts for single-A Lake Elsinore last season, the 20-year old Elfin went 10-7 with a 3.80 ERA. The Dodgers dealt the right-handed pitcher after acquiring him through a deal with the San Diego Padres for outfielder Matt Kemp. Elfin was drafted by San Diego with the 33rd overall selection of the 2012 draft. In his first full season of professional baseball, he led the Midwest League with a 2.73 ERA.

While not a strikeout pitcher, Eflin is recognized by scouts for his stellar control. In 17 of his starts last season, he issued one or no walks to opposing batters.

Windle, 22, went 12-8 while posting a 4.26 ERA in 26 games (25 starts) for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga of the Dodgers organization in 2014. A second round selection out in 2013 by Los Angeles, the University of Minnesota product is known for his power arm that reaches up to 95 mph.

Rated highly for his above-average slider, Windle owns a slider that pairs nicely with his fastball and improving change-up. The Minnesota native rose to prominence in the Cape Cod League during the 2012 season striking out 47 batters to just seven walkes in 38 innings while posting a 2.35 ERA.

The best way to see the future Philadelphia stars of tomorrow is with the brand-new 9-Game Prospect Plan. For just $81, fans can pick any nine games in 2015 to see players like Roman Quinn while receiving a Limited Edition 9-Card Phillies Prospect Card Set. This exclusive collector's item is only available by purchasing a 9-Game Prospect Plan HERE before April 16th.