David Purcey

Command and control issues doomed his career as a starter so the Jays decided to turn him into a reliever. Purcey handled the transition well despite some nagging control issues and figures to inherit a larger role following the departure of Scott Downs. Don't expect a Downs-like performance, however, especially if he struggles to keep the ball in the park.

Purcey has struggled with his control at times and it reared its ugly head again in 2009 as he walked 78 batters in 139.1 innings en route to a 4.46 ERA and a 1.507 WHIP in 24 starts for Triple-A Las Vegas. He didn't fare any better in nine starts with the Jays (30 walks in 48 innings, 6.19 ERA and a 1.750 WHIP), helping to erase much of the memory of his breakout 2008 season (2.69 ERA, 1.120 WHIP with 121 K in 117 IP at Triple-A Syracuse). He'll be among a host of kids and rehab cases fighting for a spot at the back-end of the Toronto rotation.

Purcey had his moments in his rookie season, notably a pair of starts against the Rays that saw him strikeout 18, allow just 11 hits, three walks and one run over 16 innings in a span of 10 days. He's not really much of a prospect as he'll turn 27 in April but he'll have every chance to win a rotation spot in spring training. He's got the stuff to succeed despite lacking consistency in the past.

Purcey had his season at Double-A New Hampshire interrupted with some left elbow issues, but he showed he was fully recovered with a nice season in the Arizona Fall League (22 innings, 13 hits, nine walks and 25 K). His season at Double-A (62 innings, 67 hits, 16 walks and 55 K) wasn't as impressive, but he showed improved control there and could still emerge as a back of the rotation starter if he can continue to improve. He'll turn 26 in April however, and will need to pitch well upon his initial trip to Triple-A to carve out a meaningful career.

Purcey has progressed rapidly since being a first-round pick in 2004, but there are some control issues to worry about. In 29 starts split between High-A Dunedin and Double-A New Hampshire, he allowed 81 BB in 137 1/3 IP. He'll need to refine that control to keep moving up smoothly.

Purcey was Toronto's first-round pick in 2004. Expect him to be promoted aggressively through the system in 2005 since he came out of a good college program at Oklahoma.

Purcey is considered by some to have the best power arm from the left side in the 2004 draft. The 6-5 Oklahoma southpaw can bring it upward of 95 mph but still needs to improve his secondary pitches.