2011 Stats (Arizona Rookie League/ A- Lake County): 4-6, 4.12, 1.33 WHIP, .236 OBA, 4.4 BB/9, 8.8 K/9
Here's the big boy... and he's only 18. Even though he is still adding mass to his frame and power behind his fastball, his MPH already sits at 94. As a 16 year-old kid coming in from the Dominican Republic, Felix already had a solid slurve and a functional change. They have only gotten better. While he has signinificant development ahead of him command wise, the organization has been incredibly impressed with the young man's ability to miss bats. The fastball has some back-up action, almost like a cutter, and, thus, lefties beat it into the ground (.197 OBA, 1.36 GO/AO against left handers @ LC) while right-handed batters simply flail (22 K in 22 IP @ LC against righties). Although Sterling has a long road ahead of him to get to the bigs, coaches rave about his maturity. I know. What are they going to say? Still, it is better than the alternative. Most of all the brass loves Felix's motion and delivery. Once he can stick the repetition (this leads to better control), his easy mechanics will go a long way toward preserving his health and allowing him to eat a truck load of innings. Stick this one in you back pocket. It will be a few years before he makes The Show, but, when he does, Sterling will be around for a long time.
Up Next: #5 - LHP Scott Barnes
