Player Name: Michael Stutes
Player’s Current Team: Lakewood Blue Claws
Player’s Current Parent Team: Philadelphia Phillies
Player’s Current Address: c/o Lakewood Blue Claws, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood, NJ 08701
Date Sent out: 8/8/08
Date Returned: 8/15/08 (7 days)
Why go after this autograph: I first took notice of Mike after his move from Williamsport in the NY-Penn league, where in six starts, he rolled up 31 strikeouts in 27 innings pitched while compiling a 2-1 record and an OBA of 0.172 to Lakewood. After arriving in Lakewood, he mystified the South Atlantic League hitters to the tune of 4-1/0.84/0.75 with 38 strikeouts in 32 innings pitched. He was drafted in the 11th round of the 2008 MLB draft out of Oregon State university. He most likely will finish the season in Lakewood, and next year he should get promoted to Clearwater. If he does well in Clearwater, expect to see him in Redding by the close of the 2009 season. I am thinking his ETA in the majors is 2010, figuring to spend at least half a season in AAA before getting the call. It is definitely too early to speculate on his career. He is after all only 21 years old and when he hits the higher levels of the minors and takes on players his own age, you might see more of his faults, but for right now he is really just cruising along.
Current MLB Comparison: It’s almost too easy, but I have to compare him to Cole Hammels right now.
Any Current Certified Autographs Available: Since he is a recently drafted guy, he doesn’t have any cards out right now. That will probably change once the Bowman draft picks and prospects set comes out later this year.
