2011 Scouting Report Jon Niese

Jonathon Niese - #49

24 years old
4th major league season (38 games)
6'4" 215 pounds
Bats L/ Throws L

To read Niese's 2010 scouting report, click here.

Profile: His plus pitch is supposed to be his 12-6 curve-ball, but inconsistent mechanics last year limited it's effectiveness. He also tends to throw it low as a strike out pitch and hitters have learned to lay off it. His fastball is around 90mph, and he relies on a cutter (85 mph) which has late movement, and it was by far his most effective pitch last year. He will occasionally show a change-up (81 mph), but only threw it 2-3 times a game. He pounds the strike zone (except with his curve-ball, which often misses low). He is a ground-ball pitcher.

The Good: Going into September, he was throwing very well and exceeding expectations for a 23 year old in his first full big league season. He minimized the long ball, and was striking out 2.6 times the amount he was walking. He finished the year with a 4.20 ERA and 1.46 WHIP, but a lot of that can be attributed to his September swoon.

The Bad:  Had inconsistent mechanics at times throughout the year, and it especially reared its ugly head in September. Showing obvious signs of fatigue, he shifted his arm slot, which took away his plus curve ball, and he also began to lose his command. His September numbers were scary: 25 1/3 innings, 7.11 ERA, W/9 rose to 4.91 (causing his K/W ratio to be 1.71), and his WHIP was 1.97. For it to happen once is ok, but if this becomes a recurring theme...

Are they talking about being inconsistent?

Projected Role: Niese was drafted in the seventh round back in 2005. He is penciled in as the 3rd starter as his upside for a good team, but this year he will be the #2/#3, especially until Santana comes back.

My Projected Stats: 185 innings, 4.00 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 155 Ks, 60 walks.

Video from the 3rd base side:


Another video from his 2nd bullpen in Spring Training this year, same angle:


2011 Previous Scouting Reports:
Pat Misch
Jenrry Mejia
Dillon Gee
R.A. Dickey
D.J. Carrasco
Chris Capuano
Taylor Buchholz
Pedro Beato
Manuel Alvarez
Manny Acosta