2010 Player Profile: Tyler Spurlin, Bucs

Tyler Spurlin
P/IF - Anchorage Bucs
Bats: Right - Throws: Right
Height: 6'3" - Weight: 185lb
College: Rice
Year: Freshman
Hometown: The Woodlands, Texas

The Anchorage Bucs face a challenging decision when it comes to prep star and Rice freshman Tyler Spurlin. Every morning when Bucs skipper TJ Bruce gets out of bed he's going to have to ask himself, "Which do I need more today, his arm or his bat?"

All lineup quandaries aside, the Bucs' abundance of two-way and multi-position players puts them in an enviable position, and the recruiting of pitcher-infielder Tyler Spurlin by the Anchor-town club will prove to be a key part of their versatility. The consensus among scouts is that the atheltic, projectable prospect's ticket to pro ball will be on the mound, and for good reason. His young arm packs a low-90's fastball, and he's been developing a curve and cutter to add to the power slurve which serves as the backbone of his breaking stuff.



Fans, scouts, and coaches should not be quick to discount Spurlin's value at the plate, though, as he has shown real power potential. He hit 12 homers in 2008-2009 as a high school senior in the particularly talent-laden state of Texas, and his power is projected to carry over into college. His fielding versatility is another advantage as he can handle both infield and outfield work.

Of course there are question marks surrounding Spurlin. As a freshman recruit, the obvious point of uncertainty is how he will handle the jump from high school to NCAA D-1 ball, and then again, how he will stand up in the ABL against a collection of top collegiate players. A more long-term concern is how well he will iron out a mechanical flaw in his delivery that has been identified by scouts. A good summer in Alaska, though, will help him establish himself, and Bucs fans will be fortunate enough to see whether he can make the jump to the next level in 2010.