Scouting Report Bud Norris

Bud Norris
26 years old
6'0" 225 pounds
Bats R/Throws R

Quick and dirty scouting report for Bud Norris. He's a fly-ball pitcher who has a heavy fastball (hits 96 mph, but averages 92-93), a hard slider and a change up that fades from away from lefties. His slider is one of the best in baseball (in the company of Josh Johnson and Max Scherzer). It's his big strike out pitch. He made 27 starts (career high) in 2010, and finished with a 9-10 record, and finished with a 4.92 ERA and 1.52 WHIP. He did have a great K/9 (9.3), and 10.9% swing and miss rate, but also walked too many hitters (4.5).

This season, he's started 7 games, and has a 2-2 record (42 2/3 innings pitched), with an outstanding 11 K/9 rate, and a decreased BB/9 (2.95), 3.16 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. His swing and miss % is one of the best in baseball at 12.6%. His first pitch strike % is up from 54 to 64% this year, combined with the significant drop in his BB/9 rate, is why he's having a very good start to the year. He has increased his slider use to 38%, and it is still his best pitch and one of the best sliders in baseball. He's gone 6+ innings in every start since his first start.

He faced the Mets on April 20th at Citi Field, and threw 6 innings, allowed 3 runs on 10 hits (1 HR), 1 walk and striking out 6, garnering a no-decision. He also faced the Mets twice in August 2010, and went 1-1, throwing 12 2/3 innings, allowed 7 runs on 10 hits and 5 walks, while striking out 9.