A Sickels Sneak Peek

John Sickels has a post up over at MinorLeagueBall.com that has a preview of his 2008 Prospect Book. Look at who one the previewees is.

Tony Butler, LHP, Seattle Mariners
Bats: L Throws: L HT: 6-7 WT: 205 DOB: November 18, 1987

A third round pick from a Wisconsin high school in 2006, Butler was one of my favorite sleeper prospects entering 2007. He had a very strange season. He pitched poorly in April and May, with a 7.02 ERA in his first nine starts and horrible peripheral numbers. The Mariners shut him down in June, rested him for a couple of weeks, and rebuilt his mechanics. This worked wonders: he came back in July and pitched brilliantly at times down the stretch, with a 3.29 ERA and a 44/16 K/BB in his last 52 innings. I saw him throw a brilliant, old-fashioned nine-inning complete game shutout against Burlington on August 26th. At his best, Butler features a 90-92 MPH fastball and a very good curve. His changeup is erratic, but it looked good late in the year. He's also a very intelligent and well-spoken young man. Although we need to see more at higher levels, I'm optimistic about his chances, provided he remains healthy. Grade B- right now, but I expect that to rise if he stays healthy.