With the 45th pick in the 2013 MLB Draft, the Red Sox decided to again dip into the pitching pool, selecting Teddy Stankiewicz , a 6’4, 215 lb. righty from Seminole State Junior College (OK). This is his second time being picked in as many years. In 2012, he was selected #75th overall by the New York Mets but did not sign.
As for Stankiewicz’s arsenal, he offers plus fastball that can get up as high as 96mph, but usually sits around 92-94mph. He has an intriguing mix of off-speed pitches that are not quite as developed, but all of which could become Major League average over time. Much like 1st round pick Trey Ball, where he projects out will likely depend on his ability to develop those pitches.
From there on out, opinion becomes a bit divided. Proponents praise his accelerated feel for pitching while detractors worry about his mechanics, which seem to be both a blessing and a curse. Stankiewicz has a very high leg kick which helps him hide the ball well, but also means he takes a longer stride than most, causing him to lead a little bit too much with his chest. Optimistic projections have him landing somewhere in the middle of a Major League rotation, while other think he might be bullpen-bound if he gets to Boston.