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43
 |
Votes |
Drafted: '06, 1st round (16 overall)
|
|---|---|---|
| 41 | ||
| Previous Rank | ||
| NA | ||
| ETA in Majors | ||
| 2011 |
There's no question the young right-hander can rear back and throw. What remains to be seen is if he can mature both as a person and a pitcher. His fastball is among the best in the Minors -- Jeffress can comfortably throw it in the mid-90s and has even touched triple-digits. His slider has improved over time and he is working on an off-speed pitch.
The big question surrounding Jeffress, more than how his stuff on the mound will play, is how he will respond to the 50-game suspension he received for testing positive for a "drug of abuse." There were reports of more trouble after the initial suspension, but Jeffress was working with the club to get headed in the right direction. The suspension means he won't be pitching again until June at the earliest, but he'll be just 20 so there still is time for him to right the ship.
