To learn about our efforts to improve the accessibility and usability of our website, please visit our Accessibility Information page. Skip to section navigation or Skip to main content
Below is an advertisement.

Events

Skip to main content
Below is an advertisement.
Draft 2008
Draft Central  |  Draft Tracker  |  Draft Reports  |  History
Draft Central

Derrick Saito (Credit: Cal Poly Athletics)


Biographical Data
Player Name:Derrick Saito
Position:Starting Pitcher
School:California Polytechnic State University
School Type:College
Academic Class:Junior
Birthdate:12/26/87
Height:5'9"
Weight:155 lbs.
Bats:Left
Throws:Left
Report Date(s):03/01/08
Game(s):USD Tournament -- Fresno State


Focus Area
Comments
Fastball:Saito has a big arm that belies his size, with a fastball he threw in the 92-94 mph range.
Fastball movement:He showed plus life to both sides of the plate.
Cutter:He threw a cut fastball for strikes in the 88-90 mph range.
Curve:Saito threw a plus curve.
Changeup:His changeup also grades out as a plus pitch.
Control:He had OK command, though he had the tendency to get away from the zone, throwing too many pitches and running a lot of deep counts.
Poise:He was very poised and did everything, like holding runners, well.
Physical Description:Saito is a very small lefty with a very big arm.
Medical Update:Healthy.
Strengths:That big arm and the ability to throw four pitches for strikes. He used all four pitches to record strikeouts in this start.
Weaknesses:His size. Scouts don't know what to make of a guy this size throwing like he can. His command is a little inconsistent.
Summary:A walk-on who attended Cal Poly for the engineering program, Saito has opened a lot of eyes and left a lot of scouts scratching their heads. To say he's undersized is an understatement, but he's got a huge arm and the ability to throw four pitches for strikes. Someone will have to take a risk to take him, but they could have a top-notch lefty specialist if they do.

Full report >