Cincinnati Reds Supplemental First Round: Michael Lorenzen - RHP - Cal State Fullerton
6' 2" 180 lbs
Scouting Report
A two way player in college, teams were split on whether they liked him more as a position player or as a pitcher. The Reds apparently were one who preferred him as a pitcher where he showed an easy fastball in the mid-to-upper 90's with a little bit of movement and flashed an above-average curveball, though it has been inconsistent. The Reds have apparently told Lorenzen that he will get a chance to pitch and play the field, but will begin his career as a pitcher according to C. Trent Rosecrans.
Stats
| Year | W | L | ERA | SV | IP | H | HR | BB | K | WHIP |
| 2012 | 2 | 0 | 1.23 | 16 | 22 | 16 | 0 | 5 | 17 | 0.95 |
| 2013 | 3 | 0 | 2.05 | 18 | 22 | 17 | 0 | 4 | 18 | 0.95 |
Video
My take
I am not a fan of drafting relievers this early in the draft, but the Reds have made a habit of converting college relievers into starters. Tony Cingrani, Zach Stewart and Sean Watson were all college relievers that were tried as starting pitchers. If that is the plan for the Reds with a fresh, but impressive arm, this pick looks much stronger in my book than if it is a pick as a pure reliever. The Reds reportedly haven't ruled out starting for Lorenzen.
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