Ron Chiavacci, a 29-year-old righthander in the Tigers organization, makes it onto the 2007 Ken Phelps All-Star Team because he's learned control. Selected in the 44th round of the 1998 draft by the Expos out of Kutztown University. Signed as a minor league free agent with the Pirates. Pitched well as a reliever for AAA Indianapolis in 2005, but was sold to a team in the Korean Baseball League anyway. Back in the Pirates organization in 2006, then signed as a minor league free agent with the Tigers this year.
Chiavacci has always been able to get strikeouts, but early in his career walks killed him and he was labeled "wild". Maybe it's time that changed because he's in his third season of demonstrating good control. In 91 innings for AAA Toledo this season he's struck out 75 and walked only 25. 3.45 ERA.
SO/9: 7.42 very good
BB/9: 2.47 very good
HR/9: 0.79 excellent - he's always limited home runs
GO/AO: 1.17 good (higher is better)
In 2006 he made 13 starts and 14 relief appearances combined between AA and AAA. 3.88 ERA, 99 IP, 83 SO, 30 BB. Not bad.
In 2005, Chiavacci pitched just 10 times in relief for AAA Indy. 12 innings, 14 strikeouts, 0 walks, 6 hits, 1 homer, 1.50 ERA. A dominating performance, so I'm not sure how it led to him playing in Korea. Strange career twist.
Ron Chiavacci isn't anyone's hot prospect, but if he was he wouldn't be "freely available talent". He'll need lots of luck to get a shot at starting in the majors, but might thrive in the bullpen.
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