2011 Stats (A, A+, AA, AAA): 4-8, 4.58, 1.61 WHIP, .284 OBA, 4.6 BB/9, 6.5 K/9)
Oh, good, another right-handed pitcher and this one's 27 with crappy numbers. What's the deal? As recently as 2009, Wright was a reasonable and traditional prospect. At 24, he put up a 10-0 record and 2.32 ERA for AA Akron. So, what happened? As he pitched at four different levels last year, one might suspect that Steven is recovering from an injury. That would be entirely incorrect. After two unsuccessful stints with AAA Columbus (6.61 ERA), Wright traded in his 94 MPH fastball and hard slider for the hard-knock life of a knuckleballer. Following extensive work with former Indian Tom Candiotti during the off-season and through spring camp, he built his repertoire from around 60% knucklers in his first 2011 start to around 90% as the season wound down. The BB/9 average describes the predictable control issues and the 18 home runs he allowed over 133 innings are indicative of his overall lack of feel for the notoriously touch-oriented pitch. Still, Steven has a lot going for him. Given the the recent renaissance of knuckleballers (R.A. Dickey anyone? Even Charlie Haeger), he will likely get a shot at the big league level if he can show even moderate command. With the Candy Man in his corner, Wright has a leg up on those without easy access to one of the fraternity's select few. Unlike many prospects, his success is a true coin flip. Neither age, nor injury, and not even middling minor league statistics will hamper his advance. Wright is completely committed to the new school 72-76 MPH knuckler and if he can continue to advance his mastery of Uncle Knails, then a big league call is truly just a knuckle's length away.
Up Next: #32 - RHP Bryan Price
