In his first spring training ever—and with last year's Arizona Fall League listed as the only professional fodder on his Major League résumé—Mike Leake snagged the role of fifth starter for the Cincinnati Reds on Friday.
The move makes Leake only the 13th pitcher to completely skip the minor leagues since the amateur draft was introduced in the mid '60s.
It's been 16 years since the last one, Ariel Prieto. He went 15-24 during a six-year career—a possible indicator as to why it has been so long.
Let's hope Leake is lucky number 13.
The rest of the fraternity reads like a who's who of guys the opposing team would like to see on the mound.
Of the 12, only three had careers lasting longer than 10 years: Burt Hooten, Mike Morgan, and Dick Ruthven.
M ...
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Article written by Illya Harrell
Not Aroldis Chapman, Not Travis Wood: Reds’ Five-Hole Goes to Mike Leake
Posted: 3rd April 2010 by Illya Harrell in MLBComments Off on Not Aroldis Chapman, Not Travis Wood: Reds’ Five-Hole Goes to Mike Leake