Luke Putkonen

[Cornbread Maxwell]

The Tigers drafted this guy in the 3rd rd. Today he went 7IP, 3H, ER, 1BB, 7k against a Louisville team that was averaging nearly 10Rs a game in th college WS. Louisville had combined for 33 hits in the 2 college WS games heading into today's game. Today was all about Putkonen - I was fortunate to catch the game on ESPN2. He looks very similar to Bondo: Putkonen is a 6-6 RHP with a low to mid 90's fastball and plus slider. He was also locating a 2 seamer inside against righties. His fastball was still hitting 94mph in the 7th and had retired 7 straight before he gave way to the pen (UNC's pen also looked dominating - no need for Putkonen to be overworked - he threw 95 pitches).

He's a 21 yo soph, and I obviously have no idea if the Tigers and Putkonen are going to get a deal done, but after today's performance he may feel he has a good chance of getting more $ if he stays another yr. He really looked dominating against a very good hitting team - had them guessing badly. If DD can bring him aboard, he seems like someone that may eventually make the big club.