Brandon Claussen

2013

There was no outlook written for Brandon Claussen.

2007

Given how well he pitched over the second half of 2005, Claussen has to rank among the greater disappointments of 2006. His decline was so severe that he actually lost his starting rotation slot to Joe Mays before going on the DL. Once he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his pitching shoulder, a small tear in his rotator cuff was discovered, perhaps explaining why he pitched so poorly. He's not expected to be ready for the start of the season. However, he could move into Washington's rotation when healthy after signing with the Nationals this offseason.

2006

Claussen came close to losing his slot in the starting rotation after going 1-3 with a 6.58 ERA in July, but pulled it together over the ensuing months, becoming the Reds' second-best starter behind Aaron Harang. He still needs to improve his strikeout rate and cut down on his homers allowed, but only allowed five of his 24 homers after July. Put him down on your lists as a possible endgame possibility.

2005

Claussen serves as yet another reminder that most pitching prospects struggle when they get to the major league level. It's far too early to write him off, but he'll need to learn how to control the strike zone better to survive at this level. With the additions of Ramon Ortiz and Eric Milton, he's not assured a spot in the starting rotation.

2004

The prize from the Aaron Boone deal, Claussen was shut down by the Reds in August after a fairly rough outing at Triple-A Louisville. The Reds decided that once Claussen, who made an extraordinarily speedy recovery from Tommy John surgery in June 2002, had passed the 100 inning mark for the 2003 season it was time to be cautious. He might begin 2004 in Triple-A, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him in the Reds' starting rotation by June.

2003

Formerly the Yankees' top pitching prospect, Claussen underwent Tommy John surgery last June and won't be back until sometime next summer, which is too bad because Claussen had 220 strikeouts in 187 High-A and Double-A innings in 2001 before pitching passably at Triple-A early last year. He won't contribute at the major league level until sometime in 2004 at the earliest.