Scott Mathieson

Mathieson failed to get much of a look with the Phillies last season despite dominating hitters at Triple-A. He's already 27 years old, but is still considered a bit of a prospect because arm injuries have forced him to miss significant chunks of time in his career. Mathieson has a live arm and can get his fastball into the upper-90s. However, his fastball is considered straight and thus quite hittable by big league hitters. The Phillies had Mathieson work with Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter on adding a splitter to give him another pitch that he could use to keep hitters off balance. It's unclear if Mathieson was able to pick up the pitch in the limited time he was able to work with Sutter. A back injury sidelined Mathieson in late September, but he is expected to be healthy for spring training where he will compete for a bullpen job.

Mathieson was a top prospect back in 2006 and made a brief stop in the majors before undergoing elbow ligament replacement (Tommy John) surgery. He had another elbow surgery in 2007, then suffered a setback that required a second elbow ligament replacement in 2008. Mathieson began his comeback from surgery last season and went 4-0 with a 0.84 ERA and a 34:12 K:BB ratio at three minor league levels. Mathieson said his fastball, which hits the mid-90s and his changeup have returned to their pre-surgery form while his slider is coming along. The Phillies added him to their 40-man roster this winter and will likely give him a chance to compete for a bullpen spot this spring.

Mathieson showed nice promise as a strikeout pitcher with nice control in Double- and Triple-A in 2006, but has missed the vast majority of the past two seasons, having underwent Tommy John surgery once in Sept. of 2006 and again in May of 2008. He’ll miss a significant chunk of the 2009 season as he rehabilitates his elbow, though he should be monitored if he is ever able to return. The Phillies re-signed him to a minor league deal in December, so he could contribute to their bullpen in the second half, health permitting.

Mathieson missed the 2007 season after Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery on his right elbow in September 2006 and was on a rehabilitation assignment in August before being shut down and needing another surgery. It wasn't reconstructive the second time, though, so he is hoping to be rehabbed for spring training. When healthy, he throws in the low 90's with a good slider. The next step for Mathieson is a return to the rotation at Triple-A when he's ready.

Mathieson serves as a reminder that protecting young pitchers by keeping them in the minor leagues until they have matured isn't just speculation. He pitched well at Double-A to start 2006 and made his major league debut on June 17. After a few outings and a trip to Triple-A, he came back to the majors in September and blew out his elbow. Mathieson will miss all of 2007 with Tommy John surgery. When healthy he throws in the low 90s with a good slider.

This young Canadian threw pretty well at high-A in 2005. He throws hard enough to pitch 200 innings a year and has some experience in international competition. While he isn't a future ace, Mathieson is someone to keep an eye on. He'll hit Double-A in 2006 and might make his debut in September.

Mathieson is a decent 21-year-old pitching prospect in the Phillies chain. He was a low draft pick out of high school but has added some velocity since. He needs to work on his offspeed pitches and command to have a chance at being a major leaguer.