Cincinnati selected eighth overall in the '09 draft, the third collegiate selection following Stephen Strasburg (number one) and Mike Minor (number seven). He was a rookie in 2010, closer to being the quick-to-service reliable arm than the pitcher who had the potential to be a front-of-the-rotation hurler. At least, that's how it looks now.
The good news for the Twins is that 30% (THIRTY PERCENT) of his balls in play have been line drives. His batting average on balls in play sits at just .312 however, in some respects because he still manages (in spite of the line drive rate) to induce weak contact.
Leake makes up for his lack of dominating stuff by attacking hitters, getting ahead, and then forcing batters to swing at his pitches. The Twins will have to be patient, and take their swings when a good pitch presents itself
The Phillies and the Pirates have spoiled Diamond's stretch of solid performances, so here's one more interleague opportunity for the Minnesota ace to prove himself on the senior circuit. Hitters have been teeing off on his changeup, so he needs to be careful as he uses it regularly against right-handed batters. For it to be effective at all, his fastball and plus breaking ball will have to be working well.