Comp Round A, Pick 31

by Jesse on Jun 5, 2008 5:14 PM EDT in Draft Coverage

Minnesota Twins select Steven Hunt, RHP, Tulane University, 08/16/1986.

Height: 6'3" Weight: 200 lbs
Bats/Throws: Right/Right

From MLB.com's Draft Central scouting report.

Focus Area	Comments
Fastball:	Hunt threw his fastball anywhere from 90 to 95 mph and pitched comfortably at 91. He threw his four-seamer at around 93 mph.
Fastball movement:	The two-seamer had good arm-side run. The four-seamer was flatter, but he was able to elevate it as a swing-and-miss pitch.
Curve:	He has a plus curve, a true power breaking ball.
Changeup:	He only threw one in the game and doesn't throw it much, but has shown a feel for it in the bullpen.
Control:	He had good fastball command in this start and it could be above average in the future.
Poise:	He was outstanding on the mound.
Physical Description:	Hunt is a good-sized right-hander, tall with some room to grow.
Medical Update:	Healthy.
Strengths:	The chance to have three at least average pitches; excellent mound presence.
Weaknesses:	His overall command has been an issue as his walk total is a bit high.
Summary:	With a strong junior season, Hunt has moved himself into serious first-round contention. While the right-hander doesn't always command his pitches well -- he's walked a few too many this year -- he's got terrific stuff, most notably his fastball and curve, both of which are above average. He hasn't needed a changeup much, but he has the feel for one. There might be one or two right-handers who rank ahead of Hunt heading into the Draft, but he's not too far behind them in the pecking order.

Pitching at Tulane University (2006 at University of Virginia)

Season	W	L	SV	ERA	IP	H	K	BB	BA	WHIP	WP	HBP	APP	CG	SO	R	ER
2008	9	4	0	2.68	100.2	62	126	56	.175	1.17	10	13	16	0	0	40	30
2007	6	6	0	2.62	99.2	85	104	30	.232	1.15	6	13	16	0	0	40	29
2006	0	0	0	4.72	34.1	35	33	15	.267	1.46	4	6	17	0	0	23	18

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Comments

John Maunel

thought the Twins would be going with some guy by the name of “Shooter Hunt”.

Seriously.

by Jesse on Jun 5, 2008 5:17 PM EDT reply actions

Must be

Steven’s red neck cousin.

by Jesse on Jun 5, 2008 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions

The name

I’d say “Shooter Hunt” immediately moves to the top of the list of great names in the Twins system.

Here’s hoping Boof sticks around long enough for Boof and Shooter to pitch in the same game.

by Jon Marthaler on Jun 5, 2008 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions

‘Course, all ye youngins probably don’t remember the first Shooter-Shooter Walters-who pitched for Billie Martin in the late 60s for about a year and ended up an ink-stained wretch in St. Paul. He had better stuff than either Guitierez or Hunt. Neither of these kids could hold a candle to the first shooter, and will likely fail anyway, as most prospects do. So who cares? You want a piece of me?—Johnny Safron

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Jun 5, 2008 5:47 PM EDT reply actions