Future Watch: Connor Sadzeck Rookie Baseball Cards, Rangers – Connor Sadzeck was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 11th round of the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft. Shortly after that he started out in Short A with the Spokane Indians and finished this past season with the Frisco Roughriders in AA. It’s been a long haul. He’s still chasing his dream.
The Crystal Lake, Illinois native has now overcome injury. He tore his UCL and had to take two seasons to recover from Tommy John surgery. We’ve heard this story before in baseball but his is a bit different.
The hard throwing 240 pound pitcher now has better control after the surgery and he’s striking out players at a rate of almost 8 per nine innings. He used to be able to get triple digits regularly on the radar gun pre-surgery. Post-surgery he can occasionally hit 100 but mainly throws in the mid-90’s which is enough to be successful.
Connor Sadzeck has a Chrome Prospect Autograph card, #BCAP-CS, in 2016 Bowman Chrome Baseball.
In one of his last starts in AA, in early September, he pitched 5 2/3 innings and struck out eight while giving up just three hits. Since the Rangers have held on to him you’d have to think he’ll have a very long look this spring training.
Here’s a look at the interesting delivery that this flame throwing pitcher has:
Sadzeck’s pitching arsenal has really helped him. In addition to his tremendous fastball, he has a curve that is his money pitch. He still throws it hard but much slower with great spin. That’s important to throw hitters off balance. Plus, he has a changeup and recently added a slider that he’s able to throw for strikes. The Rangers were smart not to call him up in September so he could really work on these pitches.
As part of the 40-man roster you can expect to see him in the majors this year or next. Collectors are just learning about this pitcher who seemingly has the “right stuff”.
Future Watch: Connor Sadzeck Rookie Baseball Cards, Rangers – Image Gallery
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