Jeremy Hellickson did not have his best stuff tonight in Oklahoma City, but he still showed why he's been moving full steam ahead up most prospect lists in 2009.
Though Hellickson went only five innings, he did not come out early because of a poor performance. He surrendered only two hits and few balls were centered off him. Working mostly off his fastball, Hellickson used his usual plan of attack: pound the strike zone unmercifully. He seemed to not be able to locate his curveball as well as he normally does, and he pitched mostly off his fastball and steadily improving changeup.
No radar guns were available, but his fastball velocity appeared to be steady in the low 90's, where he usually sits. Hellickson has humped up to 94 in the International League playoffs this year, and seemed to have the ability to get to that velocity when needed tonight. His changeup showed good tumble when located down in the zone, and could become an above-average pitch in the future.
Hellickson was able to mix his fastball over all parts of the strike zone. Despite not having his best curveball, his "bulldog" demeanor showed throughout his performance. Showing no fear and pounding the zone at will, Hellickson was able to keep Memphis hitters off balance with his fastball and changeup. He rarely fell behind in the count, leveraging the control of each at-bat away from the hitter.
Coming off a shoulder strain that caused him to miss a month and a half earlier this year, Hellickson seems to have done some refinement to his mechanics. Nothing major, but he appears to maintain a straighter line to home plate and doesn't have as much counter rotation as before. He had very little counter rotation previously, but he seems to just be a little more lined up with home plate tonight.
Hellickson's mechanics are free and easy. His effortless delivery is easily repeatable for him, and he's a very good athlete.
The center field camera angle was not optimal to see movement on his fastball, but Hellickson does have a nice amount of arm side run on his four-seam fastball. Despite not having a large amount of counter rotation or deception, this movement could explain why his fastball is hard to center. Late movement can do wonders for a pitcher's ability to pound the zone and not get hurt.
For anyone who watched tonight, it was easy to see why Hellickson has fared so well in his minor league career and why he is steadily creeping into the discussion of "top pitching prospects" in the minor leagues. Even without his best curveball, Hellickson was still able to hold down a potent Memphis lineup. What he lacks in size, Hellickson makes up for in demeanor and "stuff". He should continue his march towards the Majors in 2010.
Steve Carter can be reached at stevecarterpp@hotmail.com