Brad Boxberger looked like a completely different pitcher when I saw him used predominantly in relief last summer on the Cape than he did when he started the spring as one of USC's weekend starters. To open the year, his stuff looked very hittable, and it was, as it led to an ERA in excess of 6.00 for his sophomore season. He was moved to the bullpen mid-year, and served as the closer to finish the season. He continued that role into the summer, and was very successful in doing so, earning a spot on the league's all-star game roster. Boxberger showed the stuff that made him so successful as a freshman at USC, and also on the Cape, when he was named a freshman All-American. At his best, although in shorter outings, Boxberger was pitching in the 93-94 range, with pretty good, late movement on his fastball. He also throws a slider with some cut-fastball type action on it, as well as a curveball. His range of pitches makes everyone not want to give up on his future as a starter, and he reportedly will re-claim a weekend role (probably Friday) with USC next spring, but again, his stuff lately has played so much better in shorter stints. He recorded nine saves on the Cape, and when batters are making contact, they're usually hitting weak ground balls to the infielders playing behind Boxberger. He has a good, strong frame and a low waist with strong lower body strength. They is still room in his upper body to add strength, although he may not need it given his present-day stuff. If he does start for the Trojans to open the year, how he starts the season could make a huge impact on his overall draft status, as he has the size, stuff and pitching savvy to go among the top 10-15 picks.
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