ON Top 50 Prospects 2012 – #42: Matt Taylor

Background

Matt Taylor was drafted by the Orioles in the 5th round of the 2011 draft out of Middle Georgia College (Cochran, GA). He made his pro debut last season in the GCL, pitching 2 scoreless innings.

He pitched another 10 games with the NYPL Aberdeen IronBirds, posting a 6.88 ERA in 17 innings.

Scouting Report

Don: Taylor is a very intriguing arm and I consistently see movement on a fastball that ranges from 90-94 mph, but sits more 91-93 mph. It has nice sink and tail action from a 3/4 arm slot.

His arm action and speed show a deceptive change up that has late action sink in the 78-80 mph range, although the speed consistently varies at this time though.

Taylor definitely has what it takes be a major league relief pitcher down the line.

Due to his slot, Taylor’s curveball is more along the line of a slurve, due to its sweeping action. It works nicely when he’s hitting his spots.

Taylor shows early signs that he will be able to work the ball down in the zone, and just needs to be consistent with all of his offerings.

As with all young pitchers, Taylor must improve his command and control to maintain effectiveness as he progresses through the system. Really, the hump is about consistency in each outing.

Taylor definitely has what it takes be a major league relief pitcher down the line.  He does not have the refined skills that you see out of most college pitchers because he bounced around before landing with the Orioles, so patience is needed by the organization to ensure his skills are honed on the mound.

Future

Taylor should start 2012 in the Delmarva bullpen. But, depending on spring training and how the other arms in the system shake out, he could return to the NYPL.

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