Trevor Reckling: Best Angels Prospect Performance #5

by rghan on Nov 9, 2009 2:27 AM PST in Minor Leagues

5) Trevor Reckling, 20 - LH SP, High A, AA

9 wins, 9 losses. 154.1 IP, 2.68 ERA, 122 SO/78 BB. +25 runs saved

The most heartening commentary I heard about the Angels' farm system all year was Eddie Bane repeating, "Reckling has the stuff to get major league hitters out right now." Sure it's his job to plug his players, but that doesn't mean he didn't believe it. Reckling debuted in AA while still a teenager, making him the youngest player in the Texas League for much of May and June. He looked the part: clearly raw, he struggled with his control to the point of walking 13% of the batters he faced while racking up high pitch counts; but the quality of his stuff would secure the timely punch-out or double play, allowing him to escape jams time and again. His K and groundball rates slipped slightly after his promotion, but given the growing gap between his age and competition's, I'm not worried. He's got a reputation for being an athletic, smart player, so most commentators expect his control to improve as he gains more consistency with his quick, whip-like delivery. Still, we're going to have to keep watching the walk rate, because that appears to be the last hurtle he must clear before claiming a middle-of-the-rotation job in the MLB.

Again, remember that this list is based entirely on statistical performance in 2009, and is not a traditional "best prospects" ranking.

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Reckling Ball.........

for the win.

Pass the chocolate cake!

by norcaliangelsfan on Nov 9, 2009 9:25 AM PST reply actions

Bees' staff

Do you think Reckling will crack AAA this year? I see the Bees as having 3 promising starters (O’Sulli, Bell and Ortega), which seems to leave room for a kid like Reckling; at least sometime around mid-season. Also, has anyone seen this guy pitch in person? if so what were your thoughts?

by stereoscopic on Nov 9, 2009 12:38 PM PST reply actions

I think he's on his way to AAA

That rotation could be really, really good for the minors – like you say, it’ll likely include O’Sully, Bell and Ortega, plus Reckling and Mendoza. And hopefully they’ll have Walden chomping on the bit in AA, ready to join the Bees’ staff with the first vacancy. (Walden may return as a reliever though).

by rghan on Nov 10, 2009 1:56 AM PST up reply actions