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Drew Vettleson News

News stories about MLB prospect Drew Vettleson 
- a former high school switch pitcher who plays outfield for the Rays organization

Follow Drew on Twitter at @DrewVettleson


2014

In 2014, Drew Vettleson was playing in the minor leagues for the Washington Nationals - Harrisburg Senators, Class AA



Drew Vettleson traded by the Rays to the Washington Nationals, Feb 13, 2014

By Patrick Reddington | federalbaseball.com

Drew Vettleson, also 22, was a supplemental 1st Round pick by the Rays taken 42nd overall out of Central Kitsap High School in Silverdale, Washington. In three seasons in Tampa Bay's organization, the left-handed hitting outfielder put up a combined .276/.340/.420 line. In 2013, at High-A Charlotte, Vettleson posted a .274/.331/.388 line with 29 doubles, six triples and four home runs in 121 games and 516 plate appearances.
Here's what the Nationals' press release on the deal had to say about the outfield prospect:
"Vettleson, who was recently rated by ESPN’s Keith Law as Tampa Bay’s No. 8 prospect, owns a strong outfield arm and has 39 outfield assists in three seasons as a pro. He was a Midwest League All-Star and team MVP after posting a .772 OPS and 20 stolen bases for Bowling Green in 2012."
Law had Vettleson ranked as the top outfield prospect in the Rays' system.



2013

In 2013, Drew Vettleson was traded to the Washington Nationals and playing in the minor leagues for the Charolette Stone Crabs (A+)


Tampa Bay Rays Top 10 Prospect Rankings 2013
By Yossi Feins, The Rays Way, Feb 19, 2013


10. Drew Vettleson
The Rays have an intriguing bat to keep an eye on with 21-year-old Drew Vettleson emerging in their farm system.
Vettleson had a solid 2012 season with Single-A Bowling Green after being drafted 42nd overall in the 2010 Draft, hitting .275/.340/.432 with 69 RBI, 15 homers and 20 stolen bases.
What I like about Vettleson is that he's a very well-rounded player. His excellent swing and terrific bat speed provide him with both the capability to hit for average and for power.
He's also a good baserunner, and has above-average speed which should help him continue to steal bases throughout his career.
Defensively, he fields well at both corner outfield positions. With a good arm (was a rare ambidextrous pitcher in high school) and good range, he should be able to play right field.
(source: The Rays Way)



Chasing The Dream: The Drew Vettleson Story and Interview


By Scott Sypien, Jan 29, 2012 | Chasing the Dream

When the Tampa Bay Rays selected Drew Vettleson in the 1st round of the 2010 MLB Draft they selected a truly unique player coming out of high school. Not only did Vettleson excel at as a switch hitter but he was one of the very few athletes that could also pitch from both sides of the mound. The Rays are developing him as a switch hitting outfielder but before we jump ahead to the present lets look back at Vettleson’s life before the draft as a player who could truly do it all.

The day I was drafted was the day I realized if you put the work in and stay focused you can achieve the dreams and goals you set out for yourself.

Read more


Two Different Pitchers Throwing With Both Hands In One Game? 
August 14, 2009, Post on HS Baseball Web

I along with only a handful of fans got to see something this morning that doesn't happen very often, if ever. At the Timberjacks game today at Lower Woodland Field, we were treated to quite a spectacle. We watched two ambidextrous pitchers throw back to back in a 3-0 win over the competition. 
A started the game for the T-Jacks throwing from the right side, then the left, mixing it up at will and holding the opposing team to 0 runs. Then D came into relieve and switched from right to left at will, also holding the opponent to 0 runs. 
Funny stuff, both guys therw a lot of strikes from both sides and easily transitioned switching arms from batter to batter. Very entertaining! 

I've had the pleasure of seeing D do this on occasion, but I have never seen two guys in the same game, on the same team, pitch like this...Let alone throw a combined shut out. 
Read more

D = Drew Vettleson
A = Andrew Pullin
Lower Woodland Field is in Seattle

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