Projected PawSox 2009- Mike James

The 2008 PawSox did not have a dedicated closer.   RHP Mike James may be in the mix for the job in 2009.

Drafted in the 28th round by the Red Sox in 2004, the 27 year-old James has 64 saves in five minor league seasons.  He earned 25 and 22 saves respectively for Wilmington and Portland in 2006 and 2007.  James has also been consistent during his minor league career in keeping runners from scoring.   In the last four years his ERA is a respectable 3.22.

James possesses a fastball in the low to mid 90mph range with an above average change-up and curveball.  Command has been an issue with James in the past.  With all those pluses and minuses,  James will have the opportunity to make strides on the Triple A level.

Photo courtesy Portland SeaDogs