13. David Filak, RHP
B/T: R/R 2011 Age: 22 Ht: 6'4" Wt: 220
2010: (Rk) 10 G, 8 GS, 26 IP, 2.42 ERA, 3.8 BB/9, 9.3 K/9, 0.3 HR/9
David Filak was drafted by the Braves in the fourth round in 2010 out of SUNY-Oneonta. Being from the northeast, he was likely overlooked by many, and the Braves snatched him with what could be their best selection in the draft.
Filak pitched 26 innings for the rookie league Danville Braves, putting up solid numbers in the short amount of time. You can't take much from the sample size, but you can take plenty from how he looked and how he projects. He has a fastball that ranges in the low-to-mid-90s, a plus curve and a decent changeup. The fastball rides and is heavy, but the true punch out pitch is the curveball, which will eventually rate as one of the best in the system if it doesn't already. The changeup is the biggest question; if he is able to develop it into a good third offering, Filak will have one of the best arsenals in the system.
Filak has a big frame with room to fill out with age, and his strong lower half should mean durability. He will be 21 years old during the season, most likely starting at A- Rome with a possible trip to A+ Lynchburg. He is young for a college product, but his size and stuff is advanced for his age, and he should move quickly.
With a good year at Rome, Filak can prove himself worthy of a top 10 ranking next year. For a fourth round pick without much fanfare, that's not a bad deal for the Braves. He still has a ways to go, but I'm very high on this guy.
Three Things to Look For in 2011: 1) Full Season Debut 2) Changeup 3) Walks
Destination in 2011: Majority at A-; decent time at A+ with hot start
ETA: 2013
Ceiling: 2011 will tell