School: Cincinnati Ht/Wt: 6'6/212 Outlook: Pike will begin his career as a backup, giving him time to fill out physically. He offers starting-caliber tools, prototypical height, and naturally sound decision making. But Pike is an obvious work in progress with lots of kinks coming from Kelly's spread. He projects as a late third- to fourth-round pick with the chance at a long career as an eventual starter or quality No. 2.
Liriano reported that his fastball consistently hit 95-96 miles per hour this winter and that he located that pitch as well, something that's troubled him since his return from surgery. His slider, he said, regained its previously menacing form. Backing up the pitcher's assertions are his results — over seven postseason starts, Liriano struck out 47 batters in 37 innings.
'All the reports are that he's really, really throwing the ball
