An Early Look at RHPs - Nick Burdi

 

5.        Nick Burdi

 

5-23-13 - The extremely deep bullpen is anchored by college baseball’s hardest thrower, sophomore righty Nick Burdi (3-3, 0.88 with 56 strikeouts and 11 walks in 31 innings), who routinely runs his fastball into the triple digits (5-29-13)  http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/louisville-regional-preview/

 

6-9-13  -  9.Nick Burdi, RHP (Louisville): As a reliever he consistently touches 100+ mph. His slider is equally ridiculous as it maxes out in the low 90s. He also showed improved command in 2013. It would be fun to watch Burdi as a starter next year. http://www.minorleaguerundown.com/2013/06/09/2014-mlb-draft-top-30-prospects/

 

6-10-13 - Nick Burdi, RHP, Louisville - The Louisville closer has one of the best arms in the country and progressed well from his freshman to sophomore seasons.  His fastball is 95+ and touches 100.  His slider is also a nice pitch. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/06/10/2014-mlb-draft-early-college-names-to-know/

 

6-11-13 - 9. Nick Burdi, RHP, Louisville: It's not often a college closer gets ranked this highly, but Burdi reportedly hit triple digits during the 2013 season, striking out 61 in 34 2/3 innings. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130611&content_id=50293726&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb&tcid=tw_article_50293726

 

6-17-13  -  Nick Burdi, RHP, Louisville - Simpson compares Burdi (6-foot-4, 218) to Oklahoma righthander Jonathan Gray, who could hit 100 on the gun and just went No. 3 overall to the Rockies. "Burdi's done the same," Simpson said. "He's the big arm for next year." The difference, however, is that Burdi is more of a two-pitch reliever than a starter like Gray -- but a very good closer at Louisville, where he had a 0.78 ERA and an absurd 61 strikeouts in 34 2/3 innings. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mlb/news/20130610/draft-prospects-carlos-rodon/#ixzz2WWk0FqzU

 

 6-20-13  -  Mike (Dallas) - I realize its a little early for 2014 draft discussions but I saw a report that said Nick Burdi is a top 5 candidate for next years draft. I realize he throws really hard but is a guy who has been a reliever in college really considered that high of a prospect? If he is that good, why is he not a starter in college? - - - Keith Law: Nick Burdi is not a top 5 draft prospect unless, as you say, he becomes a starter. No team would risk the opprobrium of taking a closer with a top five pick.