Prospect Profile Tommy Hanson

January 13, 11:30 PMAtlanta Braves ExaminerRyan Harings

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Prospect Profile: 

Tommy Hanson

2008 Season Summary:

Tommy Hanson made a mockery of minor league hitters last season; posting dominate numbers through two minor league levels. Hanson carried that success through the finish line with a tantalizing performance in the Arizona Fall League; becoming the first pitcher in the league’s 16 year history to win the MVP award. Opposing batters only managed to hit a paltry .175 off Hanson; while he continued to punch out batters at an extremely high pace.

2008 Statistics (Combined stats for Myrtle Beach and Mississippi)

11-5, 2.41 ERA, 138.1 IP, 52 BB, 139 SO, .175 AVG, .99 WHIP 

Strengths:

Hanson brings a outstanding four pitch arsenal to the mound, he has solid command of all of his pitches and understands how to attack hitters. His fastball ranges between 91-96 and he controls it superbly, he has a nasty overhand curveball with tight spin, a devestating slider that has drawn Smoltz comparisons and a serviceable changeup to give hitters one more thing to worry about. Hanson is true power pitcher that has the abiltiy to strike out 200+ batters a season at the Major League level.

Weaknessess:

It's difficult to find holes in Tommy's armor; he doesn't have injury concerns, his stuff is beyond strong, his control is well above average and he also recieves high praise for the ever important mental side of pitching. The biggest concern with Hanson going forward is his fly-ball tendancy; this could lead to a jump in homeruns allowed as he faces stronger hitters.

Summary:

Hanson is the best pitching prospect Atlanta has developed in since Kevin Millwood. He has all the tools to develop into a frontline starter and will probably force his way into the rotation at some point this year.