Anthony Swarzak

2013

Subscribe now to see our 2013 outlook.

2012

After a disappointing 2010 season in Triple-A, Swarzak had a surprisingly productive season as a spot starter and longer reliever and enters 2012 with an outside shot at winning a spot in the rotation. Swarzak started the season slow at Triple-A with a 4.87 ERA and then was hit hard in a spot start for the Twins in April. He got another shot amid several injuries and had strong outings in his next four starts (2.08 ERA) which led to him making the rotation in late August, where he struggled with a 5.85 ERA. In between, he worked in long relief and had a decent overall 4.32 ERA. However, he had a poor strikeout rate (4.85 K/9IP) and his strikeout rates were never impressive in the minors. He also was helped by a below average BAPIP (.292) and low HR/FB rate (6.2 percent). He may win a swingman role again, but he's unlikely to duplicate even last year's moderate success.

2011

A few years ago Swarzak was seen as a top prospect for the Twins with a plus fastball and curveball in the low minors, but his career appears to have regressed. He struggled in his first trip to the majors in 2009 and began last season at Triple-A where he again averaged less than six strikeouts per nine innings while still having problems with the long ball. He missed six weeks after breaking a toe in mid April, so injuries may have been a factor. However, he'll need a strong season at Triple-A before he's considered a possible impact player in the majors again.

2010

Swarzak got his first taste of the majors last season when injuries created a spot in the Minnesota rotation and he started strong by going 4-4 with a 3.74 ERA in his first eight starts. He then faded quickly and went 0-4 with a 14.85 ERA in August and was moved to the bullpen. In the lower minors, Swarzak was praised for having outstanding stuff with a plus fastball and curveball, but his strikeout rates have continued to decline as he's moved to higher levels. He averaged less than six strikeouts per nine innings in both Triple-A and the majors last season, which limits his ceiling. He also gave up too many home runs in the majors, but that wasn't a problem in the minors. He could begin the season in the Triple-A rotation or at the back end of the Minnesota bullpen and is one of the top two or three options should an opening arise in the Minnesota rotation.

2009

Swarzak may have the best stuff of any Minnesota pitching prospect with a plus fastball and curve ball, but his stock fell slightly after a up-and-down season. He struggled at Double-A last season where his control slipped, but still got a promotion to Triple-A and thrived by going 5-0 with a 1.80 ERA. However, his numbers at Triple-A may look a little rosy with just a 26:14 K:BB ratio in 45 innings. He could fight for a spot in the Minnesota bullpen as early as next spring, but most likely begins the year in Triple-A. At just 23, he still has a lot of upside, but his declining ratios cooled his white-hot prospect status.

2008

Swarzak is perhaps Minnesota's top pitching prospect with a mid-90s fastball that has produced strong strikeout rates. He improved his control last season and at age 21 was a little young for his competition. However, he served a 50-game suspension for a second violation of baseball's drug policy for a "drug of abuse" (not a performance enhancing drug, but cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines or other narcotics). If he can avoid problems off the field, a strong start at Double-A could see him in the majors late in 2008. He's one to grab in keeper leagues.

2007

Swarzak, a second-round pick in 2004 out of high school, could rise to the top of Minnesota's list of pitching prospects after his solid year at high-A. He needs to refine his mechanics a bit more and sharpen his control, but improved as the season went on and posted a 7-2 record and 1.66 ERA in his last 10 starts. A strong season at Double-A could make him a factor in the big leagues in 2008.

2006

Swarzak, a second-round pick in 2004 out of high school in Florida, has only above average stuff, but very good command. He posted a 55/11 K/BB ratio at High-A and then continued to impress with a 101/32 K/BB ratio at Double-A. A strong full year at Double-A could make him a factor at the big league level as soon as 2007.