Chuck Lofgren

Chuck Lofgren - Left-handed Pitcher
Age: 22 Height: 6'4" Weight: 215 Bats: Left Throws: Left

	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	ER	HR	BB	K	BB9	K9	WHIP
2007 Akron/Buffalo	12	8	4.58	26	26	0	151.3	160	77	15	71	130	4.22	7.73	1.53
Career	34	18	3.48	79	79	0	406.3	365	157	30	181	367	4.01	8.13	1.34

History: Lofgren was projected to go much higher in the 2004 Draft, but fell due to signability concerns, and the Indians eventually selected him in the 4th round out of Junipero Serra High School (CA). He graduated from the same high school as Barry Bonds, Tom Brady, Lynn Swann and Greg Jeffries. Lofgren's 2006 season at Kinston was sensational, as he went 17-5 with a 2.32 ERA, held opponents to a .217 batting average against (BAA), and piled up 125 strikeouts in 139.2 IP. Lofgren set a Kinston modern-day franchise record for victories by a pitcher in a season with 17, and his 17 wins tied him for the most wins in all of the minors that season. He was also named the Carolina League Pitcher of the Year. In a May start on Mother's Day last year, Lofgren threw seven no-hit innings before leaving because of a high pitch count.

Strengths & Opportunities: Lofgren is as legit as it gets, and is one of the top ten left-handed pitching prospects in all the minors. Lofgren is a physical starting pitcher who has a good four-pitch mix led by a fastball that ranges from 90-93 MPH but tops out at 95 MPH. In addition to the fastball, Lofgren also throws a slow curveball that tops out at around 75 MPH and a changeup and slider which sit in the low 80s. He possesses the best swing-and-miss fastball statistic in the system, and that swing-and-miss rate is heavily influenced by Lofgren's good fastball command, velocity and deception in his delivery.

As a young pitcher pitching at an advanced level last season, Lofgren displayed great mound presence and his combination of athleticism and power on the mound is exciting. Lofgren is a competitor on the mound, and likes to attack hitters on the inside part of the plate with his fastball. He is very good at changing speeds and mixing his pitches. Because of the varying speeds and repertoire, it gives him many weapons to attack hitters and keeps them from zeroing in on one pitch, speed and location.

Several comparisons have been made of Lofgren to a young Al Leiter as his stuff, presence and approach are nearly identical. Lofgren also has a knack for kicking it into a second gear on the mound when he has to pitch with runners in scoring position. Pressure just does not phase him, and he is comfortable on the mound in any situation. The Indians have been most impressed with Lofgren's consistency from start to start, and feel this is a direct result of Lofgren's commitment to routine and being very mature for his age. He is a student of the game in that he understands and appreciates the history of the game. He also is grounded ego-wise where he understands he is in a special place and that he is talented and is going to make the most of it.

Lofgren came into the system with basically a fastball/curveball mix, and while his curveball was his out pitch in high school, at times he leaves it up and it is not nearly as good as it was when he was an amateur. Lofgren has sharpened his curveball up over the past two seasons and the results started showing in his sensational 2006 season. Lofgren still needs some refinement with his delivery, and he needs to work on being more efficient with his pitches since his pitch counts get high by the middle innings of games. While he has good fastball command, in order for him to pitch and have success in the big leagues Lofgren still has to command his fastball better than what he has shown so far. Also, he needs to work more on finishing off hitters. His changeup is the biggest key for him and he still needs more work on developing it.

Lofgren had mixed results last year at Akron, but he adapted well to Double-A at a young age. It should be noted that it took half a season for Adam Miller to catch fire and dominate in 2006, as the jump from Single-A to Double-A is arguably the biggest step in the minors. While he did not match his outstanding statistical season from 2006 when he won 17 games and had a sub-3.00 ERA, there was no way he could duplicate it and anything he did was not going to be viewed as good as that year.

Outlook: The organization is enthusiastic and very excited about Lofgren's potential. Lofgren's aptitude is off the charts, which is why he continues to move through the Indians system quickly. Lofgren is on the fast-track to the major leagues, and could debut as a September callup this season before he gets strong consideration for a spot on the major league roster in spring training of 2009. This year, Lofgren should move up and be part of a talented and deep starting rotation in Buffalo.

Video: Lofgren on the mound in spring training.

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