Factory Of Sadness
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5 Cleveland Indians Top Prospects Deserving Of A Promotion

By Eric Pitcher

Jul 10, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; World infielder Alex Bregman (2) slides into third base with a triple past World infielder Yandy Diaz (left) in the first inning during the All Star Game futures baseball game at PetCo Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; World infielder Alex Bregman (2) slides into third base with a triple past World infielder Yandy Diaz (left) in the first inning during the All Star Game futures baseball game at PetCo Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 23, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; A view of a Major League Baseball on deck circle at Comerica Park. The Indians won 10-1. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; A view of a Major League Baseball on deck circle at Comerica Park. The Indians won 10-1. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Triston McKenzie, 6-foot-5 165 pounds, Mahoning Valley Scrappers

A pitcher who has an ERA under 1 is something that does not go unnoticed. No matter what level it is.

Triston McKenzie is an 18-year-old pitcher who has an ERA of 0.33 in five starts for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

His record of 2-2 does him no justice. So far in 2016, McKenzie has only allowed seven walks while striking out 31 batters. If that isn’t impressive opposing batters are only hitting a .174 against the young stud.

In his senior year of high school McKenzie was dominant–and that adjective probably doesn’t do him justice, as he struck out 157 batters in 91 innings.

Being limited to only 12 innings in Rookie-Level Arizona league, he was still capable of having an 0.75 ERA and a 17/3 strikeout to walk ratio.

His fast ball is capable of hitting 93 MPH but will usually stay in the high 80’s but once he starts gaining some strength it is easy to envision his fastball gaining more velocity.

McKenzie’s arsenal of pitches involves his fastball, a curveball that is advanced for not only his age, but also for being in the Class-A short season. Along with the fastball and curveball he also adds an above average change-up.

McKenzie also has the perfect build to be a pitcher. Besides being 165 pounds, he is only 18 years old. That leaves plenty of time for him to add some strength to that fastball, and to learn more to become the next big thing for the Indians.

Next: Clint Frazier No Longer A Kid Anymore

The ceiling for McKenzie is as high as anyone in the system and with his ability to strike batters out without allowing walks, shows McKenzie has what it takes to be a big-league starter one day.

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