Prospect Countdown: #21 Christian Binford

21. Christian Binford Right Handed Pitcher

Age: 20
Position: RHP
Height: 6-7
Weight: 215
B/T: R/R
Acquired: Drafted in the 30th Round of 2011 Amateur Draft
From: Mercersburg, PA

Paden Bennett (NR):  At 6'7" Christian Binford has got to be a hard throwing right hander doesn't he?  Actually, he is a 6'7" finesse righty who possess pinpoint control with all pitches.  Last year at the age of 19 Binford demonstrated that he can locate his pitches to the tune of a SO/BB ratio of 31/4 in 40 innings pitched.  He did give up 40 hits in 40 ip but "hits" at Burlington could also be due to lower level fielders missing pretty routine plays and shoddy infield conditions (no disrespect to Appalachian League grounds keepers).  I look forward to seeing Binford move up the ranks and progress.

Joe Cox (NR): Christian Binford is a 20 year old prospect who was drafted in the 30^th round of the 2011 amateur draft.  Binford is a tall right handed pitcher, coming in at 6’7’’.  Binford processes great control and an 89-93 mph fastball.  He did undergo the TJ surgery in 2009 while in high school.  Binford only has 40 professional innings thus far, but did very well in his eight starts with Burlington last season.  With a strong SO/BB ratio and only having given up one homerun, it will be exciting to see how Binford can hold up in 2013.

Damion Mandalas (26):  A former 30th round pick, Binford is one of many former Bonus Babies to grace the 2013 Royal Revival top prospect list. As Joe stated, Binford's fastball currently sits 89-93, but it also has good life and given his frame there's a good shot that he could continue to add velocity. Binford's secondary stuff lags behind his fastball and control. His curveball is more of a show me pitch, and his change up will only occasionally flash plus potential. Binford finished only behind fellow Royals farmhand Colin Rodgers in opponent LD% among qualifying pitchers in the Appy League at 8.5%. Baseball America views him as a guy with a back end ceiling. He should report to Lexington as the weather warms up. 

Dan Ware (16):  Binford, like Colin Rodgers, performed exceptionally well on the mound in his first professional season of baseball.  Posting a 2.02 era while recording a great K:BB over 40 innings, Christian has a good reason to be put on our 'Watchlists'.  He has a great stature at 6'7'' while throwing in the high 80s, but remember he is recovering from Tommy John and is on a strict pitch count, so hopefully an increase in velocity is on the horizon.  There's still plenty of time for Binford to move up the ranks, although his top priority should be getting back to 100% health.

Total Points: 20