Jensen Lewis

Jensen Lewis - Right-handed Pitcher
Age: 23 Height: 6'3" Weight: 195 Bats: Right Throws: Right

	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	ER	HR	BB	K	BB9	K9	WHIP
2007 Akr/Buf/Cle	4	1	1.88	60	0	2	81.3	58	17	4	27	95	2.99	10.52	1.05
Career	15	10	3.34	75	38	2	258.7	241	96	24	69	258	2.40	8.98	1.20

History: Lewis was picked in the 3rd round of the 2005 Draft out of Vanderbilt University. Lewis was a mid-season NY-Penn League All Star in 2005 while at short-season Single-A Mahoning Valley, and in 13 appearances (11 starts) Lewis was 4-2 with a 3.20 ERA and in 59 innings pitched allowed 58 hits, 11 walks and struck out 59. Still a starter in 2006, Lewis went 8-8 with a 3.96 ERA in 27 combined starts in Kinston and Akron. As a reliever last year, when he was promoted from Akron to Buffalo he gave up a solo home run to the first batter he faced and after that only allowed one run. From May 1st until he was called up to Cleveland on July 13^th he had a 0.68 ERA.

Strengths & Opportunities: While Lewis consistently threw 90-92 MPH as a starter, the Indians felt he could add more velocity as he matured and was shifted to the bullpen, which is exactly what happened. The Indians moved Lewis into a bullpen role at the start of last season, and Lewis immediately impressed and quickly moved into the Indians bullpen picture by midseason. Lewis was moved up to Cleveland on July 13th and he became a vital piece to the bullpen through the rest of the season and in the playoffs. The shift to the bullpen allowed Lewis to be much more aggressive and throw harder. His fastball velocity increased to where he was consistently throwing 93-94 MPH, and his strikeout ratios increased dramatically (8.41 K/9 in 2006 to 10.56 K/9 in 2007) and his WHIP decreased considerably (1.30 in 2006 to 0.94 in 2007).

Lewis is aggressive with his fastball and can elevate it, while his changeup is above average and is a devastating out pitch to both right-handed and left-handed hitters. He also has just developed a little cut slider that he can throw with two strikes and in on a lefty to get a groundball, and it really is two different pitches depending on if he is facing a left-hander or right-hander. The addition of his newly developed slider was the pitch that finished him off to make him a quality reliever.

Lewis handled the bullpen transition well, which goes back to his experience pitching out of the bullpen at Vanderbilt. Going into last season, the Indians thought Lewis was a guy who could come quick in the bullpen because he is a hyper guy and gets loose quick. Also, there was really not a lot of development left for him, so there was not a big need to keep him in the starting rotation to continue to work on his pitches, game situations and his mechanics in five to six innings an outing and in bullpen sessions between starts. The Indians saw Lewis as a guy who could probably be better facing a lineup once than flipping around through it three times. Over the course of the season, Lewis showed a great ability to bounce back to the daily grind in the bullpen.

One of the big reasons for his success is his makeup on the mound and the confidence that flows from him while on it. Lewis has a very strong mental approach to the game, and has excellent command. He is fundamentally sound, controls the running game, and fields his position well. He is very athletic, and he creates good deception with his delivery. He is one of the most disciplined players in the Indians organization, and highly intelligent. He has really made the most of his development opportunities, and everything he has been asked to do he has answered the call.

Outlook: Along with Aaron Laffey, Lewis was the hottest pitcher in the system last year. One of the Indians biggest problems since their rebuild has been their inability to develop quality relievers, and with Rafael Perez and Lewis last year along with a laundry list of good relief candidates currently in the minors, it appears their fortune has changed for the better. Lewis will go into the season as one of the Indians primary bullpen options and pitch in the 7th and 8th inning. Down the road, he could become the team's main setup main or even the closer.

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