De Fratus (Express '06) highlighted in Baseball America

By Jim Salisbury
Baseball America; p. 33
November 29 - December 12, 2010

[Editor's note: Justin De Fratus pitched for the Rockville Express in 2006.]

Philadelphia -- Just De Fratus has heard the rumblings. The Phillies could have turnover in the bullpen this winter, and he could get a shot to fill a vacancy in spring training.

''I do hear that stuff from friends and people who keep up with what's going on in Philadelphia,'' the 23-year-old said. ''I try not to think about it and just focus on my job. At the same time, it's hard not to look up there. It's what you work for and why you play the game, to finally get that chance and see what you can do.''

De Fratus, a hard-throwing 6-foot-4 righthander, made the transition to full-time reliever in 2010 and had a strong season, closing at high Class-A Clearwater and Double-A Reading. He registered a 1.94 ERA with 21 saves in 49 games. He allowed just 48 hits in 65 innings and had a 71-16 strikeout-walk ratio. After a stint with Team USA in the Pan Am qualifier tournament, De Fratus continued to pitch well in the Arizona Fall League, registering scoreless innings in his first six appearances.

De Fratus, an 11th-round pick out of Ventura (Calif.) JC in 2007, has two plus pitches: a fastball that can touch 95 mph and a slider. The two-pitch repertoire, and a competitive streak that scouts and team officials like, made him a logical candidate for the bullpen.

''I feel comfortable as a reliever,'' he said. ''It feels more natural to me. I'm not sitting around doing nothing for four days. It keeps me more focused. Every time I come to the field I know I might be in the game. It makes me pay more attention and watch hitters more.''

De Fratus admires Phillies closer Brad Lidge. He'll get more time to speak with Lidge in spring training. He's a cinch to be protected on the 40-man roster and will get a chance to make the big club.

''He's a fastball/slider guy. Who better to look up to?'' De Fratus said. ''I really like the way he goes about his business. I've met him a few times. We've talked about the slider. I like the way he's able to get his to break downward. I've been trying to get that with my slider.''

Copyright Baseball America, 2010.