Brandon

Hynick

Hynick posted a promising 3.32 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 135 2/3 innings this past season between three different levels of the Rockies’ minor league system. The 27-year-old righty is well worth the flier for Anaheim.

The 22-year-old Hynick probably should have been promoted a month ago. He’s 10-2 with a 2.48 ERA, 110 H and 87/18 K/BB in 116 1/3 IP in the California League. He lacks outstanding upside, but he should be able to contribute in the majors in the second half of 2008 or in 2009.

Sure, the White Sox just threw in the towel on the 2009 season. But at least they did it right, getting younger in the process. Hynick, 24, had a 3.83 ERA and 92/48 K/BB ratio this season in 155 innings for Triple-A Colorado Springs and could be an effective big league reliever as soon as 2010.

He’s allowed two unearned runs, 12 hits and two walks. The 2006 eighth-round pick has a 90/11 K/BB ratio in 89 innings since being drafted. His low-90s fastball-splitter combination could allow him to make it as a starter, though he’s going to need a better curveball. As is, he projects as more of a reliever.

Hynick still hasn’t given up an earned run this season. He’s allowed 19 hits, walked three and struck out 22 in 32 innings. Considering that he doesn’t get a lot of grounders and he’s not a big strikeout pitcher, he doesn’t yet qualify as a big-time pitching prospect. He’s more likely to be useful as a reliever than as a starter.

Hyneck fared well in Double-A last season, but his promotion to Triple-A was a bit of a hiccup. His cumulative stats included a 4.39 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, and 81/34 K/BB ratio. He will turn 26 before Opening Day, so this spring will be an important opportunity for Hyneck to prove that he is big league material.