46. Dan Jennings

46. Dan Jennings -LHP - 6'3 - 190lbs
(last year: NR)

Another 2008 draftee out of the University of Nebraska, the Marlins nabbed left-handed pitcher Dan Jennings in the 9^th round and felt lucky to do so. They got him to sign for $145,000 before sending him to short season Jamestown. At 6’3, 183 lbs there is still room to add strength to the 21 year old. He split time between the starting rotation and the bullpen at Nebraska. In 23 games, he started 9 times. At one point during the season, Jennings had a 30.1 consecutive scoreless streak.

Right now his fastball is anywhere from 87-91mph and it’s most effective when he keeps it down in the strikezone, something he has had little trouble doing in his career. His best pitch would be his slider that is devastating against left-handed hitters. Jennings has a quick arm, a repeatable delivery and solid mechanics.

Projected by some to be a reliever in pro ball, Jennings has yet to pitch out of the bullpen in his short professional career. He’ll begin the year with former Nebraska teammate Johnny Dorn in Greensboro, and like Dorn, he will be a starting pitcher. Jennings got knocked around a bit in Jamestown, so it will be interesting to see if he can bounce back from his interesting debut, especially in a hitter’s league like the South Atlantic League.