Mike James

From SoSH

Michael James

Born:	June 2, 1981
Birthplace:	Roswell, Georgia
Height:	6' 1"
Weight:	205 lbs
Bats:	Right
Throws:	Right
Drafted:	2004: 28th Round, 845th Pick by the Boston Red Sox
College:	University of Connecticut
High School:	Milton High School (GA)
ETA:	2010

Mike James (born June 2, 1981 in Roswell, GA), was drafted by the Red Sox with the twenty-fourth pick in the twenty-eighth round (pick 845 overall) of the 2004 Amateur Draft out of the University of Connecticut.

1 Scouting Report
2 Amateur Career
3 Minor League Career
4 Minor League Awards
5 External Links

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Scouting Report

Utilized as UConn's closer early in college, converted to a starter in 2004. James was re-converted to a closer for Boston with some great success, including saving 25 games in 2006 at High-A. James possesses a fastball which sit in the low 90s. tops out around 94 mph. and moves very well. Also mixes in a deceptive low 80s change and a decent curveball. Needs to refine his command somewhat. Very effective against lefties. Among the organizational leaders in saves and appearances for the last few seasons. ~ SoxProspects.com

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Amateur Career

Pitched four years for the University of Connecticut. In his first three years Mike was a highly effective closer, setting school records for saves in a season in 2002 with 9 and again in 2003 with 11. He would finish his college career with 22 saves, also a UConn record. After his successful 2003 campaign Mike was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 50th round (pick 1473 overall) of the 2003 Amateur Draft, but decided to return to UConn for his senior season. In his final college season, he was converted into a starter. Unfortunately his success as a closer did not translate into his new role as he went 5-5 with a 5.28 ERA in 90.1 IP, allowing 106 hits (8 HR) and 34 walks while striking out just 54.

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Minor League Career

After signing with the Red Sox, Mike was assigned to the Lowell Spinners for the 2004 season. Although he was converted back to a reliever in Lowell, the struggles of his senior year carried over into his time with the Spinners. He allowed 53 hits (7 HR) and 17 walks while striking out 34 and posting a 10.90 ERA in 34.2 IP.

To start his first full professional season, Mike was posted to the Greenville Bombers to start the 2005 season and recaptured some of the success he had as a closer in college. He appeared in 30 games for the Drive, pitching 43.0 innings, allowing 41 hits, 16 walks and a 3.77 ERA while striking out 38. His success earned him recognition as a South Atlantic League All-Star, and on August 1st, 2005 he was promoted to the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Mike had solid results in 2005 for Wilmington, pitching 17.2 innings in 14 appearances, giving up 9 hits (2 HR) and 7 walks, striking out 12 and posting a 3.06 ERA.

In 2006, Mike built off of the success of his 2005 campaign. He spent the entire season as the closer for the Wilmington Blue Rocks and turned in a dominant season. He finished the year with a 1.81 ERA and 25 saves in 49.2 IP, allowing 42 hits (2 HR) and 19 walks while striking out 51. His effort earned him a selection as a Carolina League All-Star.

Mike has been assigned to the Portland Sea Dogs to begin the 2007 season.

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