Drafted by the Orioles in the 5th round last summer out of Tennessee Tech, the 21-year-old Hess was given an aggressive assignment by Baltimore to High-A Frederick to begin 2015. Due to his impressive draft pedigree and the intrigue of the bold decision by Baltimore to have him essentially skip Low-A Delmarva, I was eager to observe David Hess in his third start at the High-A level against the Wilmington Blue Rocks.
Immediately one is impressed with Hess physically, as he is a well-built 6-2 180lbs, with strong legs and a rather high waist. In fact, I would take the over 180, as he looks much closer to 200lbs. The 21-year-old Hess has a relatively simple delivery although there is plenty of effort involved. He has a motion and body type that points toward the bullpen but he is consist with his release point and holds his velocity while throwing enough strikes to give him a chance to remain a starter.
In this viewing Hess featured a 4-pitch mix including a 90-93mph fastball, touching 94mph, with late life that he could locate down in the strike zone. In addition Hess showed an 82-84mph slider with sweeping 10-4 movement that he could bury in the dirt as a chase pitch or locate for the strike. His slider was inconsistent, as 2-3 flashed above-average to plus potential, while others were below-average spinners. Furthermore, Hess showed a low-70s curveball which he used as a show-me pitch or a first-pitch “get me over” offering, along with a few firm mid-80s changeups. Overall Hess shows an above-average to plus present fastball, an average slider with potential for more, and two below-average pitches in his curveball and changeup.
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I came away from this outing quite impressed by Hess and his future as a prospect. Hess possesses two potentially above-average offerings in his fastball and slider, repeats his delivery fairly well and pounds the strike zone. The effort involved in his delivery and the lack of a third present pitch likely portends a future in the bullpen, but the Orioles are wise to let him work as a starter this season to expedite his development. Hess is a major league quality arm and looks like a steal for the Orioles in the 5th round last summer.
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In addition, friend of the site and Baseball Prospectus Prospect Team member Tucker Blair was sitting directly in front of me for this start and was kind enough to share his thoughts on David Hess –
“While Hess has four pitches, I envision a long-term relief profile due to the lack of a secondary offering that can consistently cause deception or timing issues relative to the FB/SL. Hess has a fastball that can touch 96 mph, and the slider has hard bite. The mechanics are relatively clean, but the head whack, inverted landing, and moderate exertion lead me to believe his best role is suited for the bullpen.” – Tucker Blair, Baseball Prospectus