March 25, 2010 at 8:48 PM
Red Sox sign Zach Hammes to minor league contract
SoxProspects.com has learned that the Red Sox have signed 25-year-old right-hander Zach Hammes to a minor league contract. Hammes was a highly-regarded prospect after being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second round (51st overall) of the 2002 draft out of Iowa City High School. He is 6'6", 220 and throws an effortless 92-94 mph fastball with plus life as well as a decent changeup. He has struggled with control during his six-year minor league career, compiling a 4.93 ERA in 164 games (60 starts) with a 4.8 BB/9 ratio and 44 wild pitches. Hammes last pitched in 2008 as a member of the Double-A Jacksonville Suns, posting a 5.31 ERA in 38 games before retiring following the 2008 season.