Statistically speaking: Tillman was one of eight full-season pitchers to finish with a K/9 rate over 10 (10.22). He was second in the Eastern League -- and among all Double-A pitchers -- in Ks and fifth in ERA (eighth among all Double-A pitchers). His .227 batting average against was also second best in Double-A ball.
Scouting report: He's a big, projectable right-hander with a fastball that runs up to 94 mph and sits comfortably in the low 90s. Also has an above-average curve and a changeup -- which has a chance, but lags behind his other two pitches. Has good mechanics and mound presence and keeps the ball down in the zone.
Upside potential: Has a chance to be a top-of-the-rotation type. At worst, he should become a workhorse in the middle of a big-league rotation soon.
They said it: "I scouted him as an amateur. He was a wonderful acquisition for us in that trade. He's got a little bit of the 'it' factor. He's got an intangible he draws from. He's a quiet, confident guy. He knows how to pitch. He's going to have to continue to develop his changeup. The fact he had the success he had without using it as much as I think he needed to, that's encouraging, but he'll have to improve on that." -- Joe Jordan, Orioles scouting director
He said it: "I knew once I got my feet under me I knew I would be fine. I am not surprised. I have my feet under me now." -- From a June Baseball America story
Minors
