He uses a 90 MPH sinker, a slider, an improved change, and an occasional curve. You can find a full report on him here on the link below. I make him as a Grade B/B- type right now, with his stock having slipped some over the last year. He could make a good inning-eater with a decent defense behind him, or he could dominate more readily if used in the pen.
Stewart threw 95-96 MPH in the bullpen but has settled into the 89-93 range as a starter, though his fastball has sinking action. His best secondary pitch is an effective variable-speed slider. His changeup has improved over the last year and rates as average overall, sometimes better than average, sometimes a bit worse. He’s made great progress refining his mechanics and command since college, and has shown the ability to eat innings without ill-effect.
4) Zach Stewart, RHP, Grade B+: His stock has dropped a little, but I still like him. If he can’t cut it as a starter he can close.
Stewart works quickly and throws four pitches for strikes, making him a future mid-rotation candidate for Chicago. His fastball features sinking and tailing action at 88-92 mph, while his quality low-80s slider functions as his No. 2 pitch. Stewart worked in a mid-80s changeup more frequently this season with New Hampshire, and he sells the change of pace with good arm speed. He also surprises opponents with a seldom-used curveball.
Frasor is a nice enough reliever with a modest price tag for next season that comes in the form of a club option. Being the prospect in the deal, Stewart’s perceived upside is higher. Stewart has what you’d want in a starting pitcher. He throws hard (reaching the mid-90s with his fastball) and has a vicious slider. The problem, though, is that he lacks a third pitch, and his statistical track record in the minor leagues is underwhelming for a pitcher with his profile. At 24, Stewart has appeared in 20 Triple-A games (all in relief) and has spent this season back in the rotation at Double-A New Hampshire, striking out seven batters per nine innings pitched while allowing more than a hit per inning pitched and holding a 4.20 earned run average. The cons have led some, like Kevin Goldstein, to believe his upside (twitter) might be limited to that of a number four starter or set-up man.
His repertoire includes an 89-94 mph fastball, good slider, and changeup. Stewart produces easy velocity and has a solid delivery with minimal effort. He utilizes a low three-quarter arm angle. At worst, the right-hander should become a successful high-leverage reliever in the eighth or ninth inning.
As recently as last season in the minor leagues, Stewart had a fastball was clocking in as high as 97 mph. He isn’t throwing as hard but can still touch 93-94 mph on the radar gun, although sits a bit lower than that consistently. He relies mainly on a sinking fastball and slider.
For more links to prospect lists go to fantasyrundown’s ‘2011 MLB Prospects’ index.
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