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Summary
Before this season, Erick Fedde was a raw, lanky righty who showed potential but was not on the radar for a high first round selection. This season, his game has been elevated to a new level and a top 10 pick is not out of the question. After posting a 3.92 ERA and 83 strikeouts and 28 walks in 96 and 1/3 innings in 2012-2013, Fedde added some weight to his still projectable frame and improved his command to further harness his stuff, and is now a candidate for the Golden Spikes award and has arguably been the best pitcher in college baseball this year.
Fedde has a 1.76 ERA and 82 strikeouts against 21 walks in 76 and 2/3 innings, allowing just a .209 opposing batting average. When you watch Fedde on the mound, it's apparent why he has been so dominant. He has an athletic delivery that uses lots of trunk rotation to generate velocity, and he has pretty, loose arm action. He can hit the mid 90s with his fastball, sitting 92-93, and he generates great tailing life with his low arm slot.
In addition to his plus fastball, Fedde throws a slider that projects as a plus pitch. A low 80s offering, it shows late bite and some break away from right handed hitters. It projects as a swing and miss pitch at the next level, and has helped Fedde to increase his strikeout rates this season. He gets tight spin on the slider, giving it consistent shape. Fedde also throws a changeup that flashes promise, with similar velocity to his slider.
Fedde shows an ability to work the edges of the plate with his fastball, and his athletic delivery gives me confidence in his future command. Keith Law's recent ranking of Fedde as the class's 4th best player is aggressive, but there is serious potential in him as a prospect. A career as a #2 starter is certainly a reasonable expectation, and there's the potential for some untapped velocity left in Fedde's frame. He's jumped underperforming prospects like Michael Cederoth to position himself among the elite in the college pitching group this season.
MLB Projection
Fedde has all the stuff and athleticism to be a frontline starter at the MLB level.
Projected Draft Round
First. Top 10 is possible.
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