Jeremy Jeffress

2013

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2012

Jeffress was demoted from the big leagues to Triple-A Omaha and then demoted again to Double-A Northwest Arkansas in 2011 as he could never solve his control issues. This isn't surprising considering he walked over 6.0 BB/9IP at each stop. If he were ever able to cut down on the free passes, he might be quite useful as a reliever as he has shown an ability to miss bats with the best of them in the lower levels of the minors. Until that happens, he'll be nothing more than a righty with a big fastball who rarely knows where it's going.

2011

Jeffress climbed three levels after moving to the bullpen in 2010 and ended in Milwaukee where he pitched well enough that he appeared to secure a regular role for 2011. He's a typical hard thrower with a lack of command, hitting 99 mph on the radar gun at times, but he also walked six batters in 10 innings with the Brewers. The command issues have dogged him for his entire minor league career, but no one doubts his overall stuff. Jeffress was included in the package the Brewers sent to Kansas City for Zack Greinke, and their plans for him are unclear. He has the ability to be a closer in the future if the Royals don't give him a look in their decimated rotation.

2010

Jeffress was not very impressive in 2009 before his season ended early due to a 100-game suspension for a second failed drug test. Jeffress has all the talent in the world, but is now one failed drug test away from a lifetime ban. Of course, that can only happen if he's not on the Brewers' 40-man roster, so he's in the clear once the Brewers do that. At some point, the Brewers may convert Jeffress and his 100 mph fastball to relief and see if that will help with his control issues, but that likely won't be this season. He should return to Double-A Huntsville after his suspension ends.

2009

Jeffress returned from a drug suspension to strike out 115 batters in 94 innings between High-A Brevard County and Double-A Huntsville. On the downside, he also walked 52 batters over that same span and was shut down during the Arizona Fall League with shoulder fatigue. His 100 mph fastball gives him some of the most potential in the minor leagues, but he needs to harness that heat and develop some other pitches. Some scouts think the 21-year-old would be best served as a closer in the majors, but the Brewers will only go there as a last resort. He should start the season at Double-A Huntsville and could see some time in Milwaukee late in the season.

2008

Jeffress was having an outstanding season for Low-A West Virginia when he was suspended 50 games for violating the substance abuse policy. He then later supposedly failed a team administered test while working out in Arizona. Jeffress had a 3.13 ERA with 95 strikeouts in 86.1 IP while at West Virginia and his fastball has been clocked at 100 mph. He has immense potential, but needs to get his head on straight before he gets kicked out of baseball altogether.

2007

Jeffress was the Brewers 2006 first-round pick and showed why by topping 100 mph in the Arizona Rookie League. He struck out 37 in 32.2, but also walked 25. If he gains any control, he'll be a top of the rotation starter in three or four years.