Minor League Profile: Matt Gorgen

Name: Matt Gorgen   RHRP

Ht: 6'0   Wt: 210   BD: 1/27/87

Acquired: 16^th rd pick in 2008 out of UC Berkeley

Current Level: A+ Charlotte Stone Crabs

Upon being drafted, Gorgen was assigned to the Hudson Valley Renegades. In Hudson Valley he struck out an insane 43.2% of batters faced with a 7 K:BB ratio. Gorgen posted a FIP of 2.07 with an ERA of 1.96 in 23 innings of relief work. Gorgen also induced a delectable 66.7% ground balls of ball in play. The Rays decided to bypass Bowling Green and assigned Gorgen directly to the A+ level Stone Crabs.

Despite skipping a level, Gorgen continues his domination out of the bullpen. He is striking out 33% of batters faced while his K/BB has fallen to a good but more earthly 2.91. He has stranded 97.7% of runners while posting a FIP of 2.72 and an ERA of 0.36. Yes, 0.36. All in a tidy 25 innings of work spanning 15 games. Yes, he has demonstrated the ability to go multiple innings. Gorgen works primarily off his mid 80's cutter and a fastball in the low 90's. It would be nice to see him develop a trustworthy off speed pitch to increase the chance of future success at higher levels.

He seems to have great potential as a reliever with a high strikeout rate and ground ball %, limited walks and ability to keep the ball within the stadium perimeter.

Gorgen's twin brother Scott was drafted into the Cardinals organization in the 4^th round. Despite being drafting 12 rounds later, Matt has had the more promising beginning. Scott, who does feature a changeup, is also in A+ ball but is being featured as a starter with a FIP of 4.77. Keep an eye of the development of Matt Gorgen as he continues his rise through the farm system. His traditional and advanced stats can be found below courtesy of fangraphs: