Rick Porcello
From BR Bullpen
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 5", Weight 195 lb.
- High School Seton Hall Prep
- Debut April 9, 2009
- Born December 27, 1988 in West Orange, NJ USA
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[edit] Biographical Information
Rick Porcello was selected by the Detroit Tigers with the 27th overall pick in the first round of the 2007 amateur draft. Generally considered one of the best pitching prospects in the draft, perhaps even the best high school pitcher in years, Porcello's stock fell because of his affiliation with Scott Boras. The high-powered agent's demands priced out many potential suitors. With Porcello set to attend the University of North Carolina if negotiations failed, the Tigers and the high school phenom settled on a four-year contract worth 7.28 million dollars. He is the grandson of Sam Dente.
[edit] High School Career
The lanky right-hander dominated high school competition with an overpowering fastball, a curveball, slider, and a changeup. The quantity and quality of the pitches were thought to be advanced for a pitcher of Porcello's age. Following his junior season in 2006, the Seton Hall Prep product was an Aflac All-American. He continued his reign over New Jersey as a senior in 2007, guiding the team to a third consecutive Non-Public Class A title. Porcello's record was 10-0, his ERA was 0.18, and he fanned 112 in 71 innings. On May 12th, he threw a perfect game against Newark Academy. Porcello was named the 2006-2007 "Gatorade Player of the Year". USA Today named him to their All-USA team.
[edit] Minor League Career
Porcello made his pro debut on April 3, 2008 for the Lakeland Flying Tigers. He allowed only one hit in 5 innings, walking two and striking out three while pitching shutout ball in a 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. He peaked at 94 mph on the radar gun in his debut. Porcello had a 8-6, 2.66 record for Lakeland. The youngster led the Florida State League in ERA and made the League All-Star team. Baseball America rated him as the best prospect in the entire league, right ahead of J.P. Arencibia. He somehow lost Pitcher of the Year honors to Dylan Owen.
[edit] Major League Career
Porcello's debut in the Major Leagues came on April 9, 2009, as the Detroit Tigers played the Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto. He was facing Jays pitcher Ricardo Romero, who was also making his Big League debut in that game. This game was the first time ever that two first-round draft picks faced each other as starting pitchers making their debuts in the Majors. [1] He allowed four earned runs in five plus innings, and he was charged with the 6-2 loss.
sources: Aflac All-American Bio
