Statistically speaking: It's always nice when a young starter improves over the course of his first full season. Parker's ERA was nearly a half-run lower (3.26 vs. 3.70) in the second half of the 2008 campaign. His batting average against also plummeted from .277 in the first half to .231 in the second.
Scouting report: He has command of four pitches -- a fastball that can reach 97 mph and a curve, slider and changeup with the chance to become above average. Has a good feel for pitching -- especially for his age -- solid, clean mechanics and repeatable delivery.
Upside potential: Front-end starter with above-average stuff and command.
They said it: "Parker had a very successful first full season. He was able to develop a very good foundation at a very early stage in his career. Obviously, most people talk about his stuff as the ingredient that separates himself at this age, but I think how he does it makes it impressive. He has very good stuff, so the fact that he can command it, get swings and misses, and change the way he attacks hitters at an early stage in his development is impressive." -- A.J. Hinch, Diamondbacks farm director
He said it: "This year, I'm looking forward to putting together my four pitches and be more mature as a pitcher, to learn more about the mental side of pitching."
Minors
