Scouting Report on Donnie Veal

[Bob Sacamento]

Donnie Veal

6'4
215 lbs
L/L
Buena HS (Sierra Vista, AZ)
Pima CC

He just needs to be refined and some things need to be ironed out with his mechanics, and sharpen up a few pitches. It’s wide open for him. He’s a guy that will control his own destiny. He’s got a lot of intangibles that a lot of players wish they had. He’s very competitive. He studies the game well and is a very good learner, both physically and mentally." - Tom Pratt, Daytona pitching coach



No Cubs prospect exploded on the scene more than Veal. After riding an impressive wave at Boise in 2005, Veal climbed the rungs in 2006 playing in both Peoria (Low A) and Daytona (High A) and earned Cubs' Minor League Player of the Year honors (splitting it with Rich Hill). In only his second season, Veal led Cubs minor leaguers with 174 strikeouts and the minors with a .174 BAA.




With the 68th overall pick, the Cubs selected Donnie in the 2nd round of the 2005 draft following up their earlier selection of Utah High School sensation Mark Pawelek, another young lefty pitching prospect. Yet the Cubs were not the first Chicago team to select Veal, as the White Sox selected him in the 12th round of the 2003 draft out of Buena Vista High School in California. But neither side came close to agreeing to a deal as Veal had already committed to the University of Arizona. Yet Veal did some labrum damage in his freshman year, the worst injury possible for a pitcher, and didn't opt for surgery as many others have. Instead, Veal rehabbed on his own, allowing the scar tissue to build and stabilize the labrum, transferred out of the U. of Arizona, and into the local Pima Community College (in Arizona) playing in the following season where in 74 IP he struck out 119 batters while posting a 3.65 ERA with only his fastball and a developing changeup. His quick rebound impressed the Cub scouts along with others that had followed him since high school days, if he could takeover a ballgame with just a fastball and changeup, he'd be more impressive when he's able to throw his curveball again. The Cubs gambled that the labrum would hold up and he'd continue to impress with his filthy stuff. Still he's flown through the system that has taken the cautious approach with their young arms.

After signing quickly for $530,000, he started 2005 in the Arizona Rookie League but after only 4 appearances was promoted to Boise (Short A) where he finished strong. In 7 appearances, 6 being starts, he went 29 IP, giving up 18 hits, 8 earned runs, 2 hrs, 15 walks, 34 strikeouts. That's a 2.48 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, .171 BAA. 4.66 BB/9, 10.55 K/9, and 2.27 K/BB. Several Northwest coaches were even touting him as the best lefty in the league. In the winter, he also appeared in the Instructional League, though his innings were limited.

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[Prior = God]

haha nice report man!!

btw, HUGE fan of cubshub.com! Great information website. Keep up the great work, Bob!

[Bob Sacamento]

haha nice report man!!

btw, HUGE fan of cubshub.com! Great information website. Keep up the great work, Bob!

Nice to hear from you again, long time. Thanks, we try to keep it honest and informative there.