Scouting Report, RHP Craig Stammen

26-year old Craig Stammen was drafted in the 12th round in 2005 out of the University of Dayton and made his major league debut last year, starting 19 games. He is in his 4th professional season and in his own words, started to "pitch instead of throw" in 2008. He doesn't strike anyone out (4.4 K/9), but also doesn't walk anyone either ( < 2 W/9). He is a ground-ball machine(> 65% the past two years), and his greatest comp is teammate Chien-Ming Wang. He had a 5.11 ERA last year, with a 1.29 WHIP. He faced the Mets three times last year, with a 1-2 record in 17 innings pitched and a 4.67 ERA, 1.33 WHIP. Earlier this year (May 12th), he threw only five innings, allowing six hits and four walks, four runs and two strike-outs.

His repertoire features a 90 mph fastball, 85 mph slider, along with a curve-ball (79 mph) and change-up (84 mph). He is throwing his fastball less this year (57% vs 70% last year), and has increased the usage of his slider (22% vs 2%). His two best pitchers this year are his fastball and change.

In his 13 starts (73 2/3 innings) this year, he's 2-2 with a 5.13 ERA and 1.40 WHIP. He's still getting ground-balls, not striking anyone out (4.2 K/9), but minimizing walks (2.2 W/9). He's only gone 7+ innings in three of his 13 starts. He was sent down to make room for Strasburg, and he pitched very well in his return on Tuesday versus the Braves, going 7 1/3 innings and only two runs (five hits and two walks).