Neil Wagner

Neil Wagner - Right-handed Pitcher
Age: 24 Height: 6'0" Weight: 195 Bats: Right Throws: Right

	W	L	ERA	G	GS	SV	IP	H	ER	HR	BB	K	BB9	K9	WHIP
2007 Lake/Kinston	1	4	3.44	50	0	11	68.0	58	26	5	17	67	2.25	8.87	1.10
Career	1	5	2.78	76	0	28	100.3	74	31	6	25	117	2.24	10.50	0.99

The Indians drafted Wagner in the 21^st round of the 2005 Draft out of North Dakota State University. Wagner might be a sleeper, and someone to keep an eye on. In 2006 at Mahoning Valley, Wagner racked up 17 saves and posted a 1.39 ERA while holding opposing hitters to a .143 average and struck out 50 hitters in 32 innings. Wagner closed in college, and at this point it appears the Indians intend to develop him as a late inning reliever. Outside of Adam Miller, Wagner arguably has the most explosive fastball in the system that touches 96-98MPH consistently. He shows good control (2.24 BB/9 rate) and the ability to put players away with his dominating fastball (10.50 K/9). While he controls his fastball well and can blow it by hitters, the key to him becoming a bonafide relief prospect will be the development of at least one secondary pitch, which he has struggled with. Wagner was sent the Hawaii Winter League this offseason to primarily work on his two offspeed pitches, a breaking ball and changeup. Under normal circumstances, he would feature his fastball, but since he was sent to Hawaii with specific development goals to work on his secondary pitches, he threw often and was hammered. Still, while his stats were brutal (9.68 ERA in 12 appearances), Wagner showed some progress with the pitches. Wagner most likely will start the 2008 season in the Kinston bullpen, although could start in Akron.

Video: Wagner on the mound.

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