2011 Indians 5th Round Pick: RHP Will Roberts

Photo: U. of Virginia Athletics

With their 5th round pick the Indians select right-handed pitcher William Roberts out of the University of Virginia.

Bats: Left, Throws: Right, Height: 6'4", Weight: 205, Date of Birth: 08/17/1990

Notable links:

U. of Virginia profile page
Throws perfect game in March 2011

Jeff Ellis: William Roberts is a junior pitcher from the University of Virginia. He is large at 6’5”, but is not a power arm. He had a heck of a year for Virginia and while his numbers look dominating, Roberts is a control guy. He has a below average fastball, sitting at 86-89. He threw a perfect game this year needing just 98 pitches. He is a control arm, hits his spots well, and sports a nice slider. He is a bit like Tomlin in that he doesn’t have great stuff, but has the ability to hit his spots and just throw strikes. I know this is a pick that will make the hardcore fans moan, just not an exciting player, but he could end up in the majors just based on the fact he knows how to pitch.

Indians press release:

RHP Will Roberts was selected by the Indians in the 5th round (159th overall) of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Virginia where he was 11-1 w/a 1.61 ERA in 16 games/15GS as a junior (95.0IP, 67H, 17ER, 12BB, 90K). His 3-year career at UVA is 18-1.

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