Get to Know Giants’ Prospect Derek Law

Bullpen depth is never a bad thing. A team can not have too many relievers. The San Francisco Giants already have a solid assortment of relievers at their disposal, with a few more on the way.

Derek Law is among those waiting in the wings for their shot at the big league bullpen. Law is a right-hander, standing 6’2″ and weighing in right around 210 pounds. At 24 years old, he looks like he might have been on the cusp of a major league call-up.

Law was originally selected by the Texas Rangers in the 28th round of the 2009 amateur draft out of Seton LaSalle Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Law declined to sign, and instead chose to pitch for Miami-Dade College. After two seasons at Miami-Dade, he would be drafted again, this time by the Giants in the ninth round.

Law began his professional career in 2011 in the Arizona Rookie League. In 15 games, all as a reliever, he pitched 18 innings, striking out 19 batters while walking just two. He also posted a 2.50 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. He was promoted to Single-A Augusta in 2012, where he would pitch in 32 games out of the bullpen for the Green Jackets. His dominance continued, as in 55.2 innings, he totaled 67 strikeouts, 23 walks, a 2.91 ERA and 1.222 WHIP.

The climb continued in 2013, as Law pitched at three levels, ending up in Class A-Advanced San Jose. Through all levels, he appeared in 46 games, racking up 66.1 innings. He totaled 102 strikeouts (13.8 K/9) while issuing just 12 free passes (8.5 K/BB). His 2.31 ERA and .950 WHIP both marked career-bests for the young hurler.

Prior to the 2014 season, Law was named the Giants’ 16th-best prospect by MLB.com. He was invited to Spring Training with the Giants, and was in competition for a spot in the big league bullpen. While he didn’t earn the job, he pitched well and did open some eyes. In seven games, he posted a 4.50 ERA, but held opponents to a .190 average while striking out six in six innings, including a save.

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He was placed with the Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels after the Spring, where he would become the closer. In 27 games and 28 innings, he saved 13 games with a 2.57 ERA and 1.175 WHIP. He struck out 29 and walked 14.

While Law seemed to be on the fast track to Triple-A and maybe higher, his train was de-railed in early June when he was sidelined with “elbow tightness.” After getting a couple of opinions, it was decided that the best course of action for Law would be the dreaded Tommy John surgery, ending his season and temporarily halting his rapid ascent.

Stuff-wise, Law has closer potential. His fastball sits in the low 90’s with great sink, which can cause either swing-and-misses or double plays. His curveball is a great secondary pitch, with big straight-downward break. It has been known to miss bats as a legitimate strikeout pitch. He also features a slider, but it needs a lot of improvement before it can be considered a trustworthy third pitch.

Feb 23, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Derek Law (64) poses for a photo during photo day at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Law has funky mechanics, and his delivery is reminiscent of Kevin Brown. He turns his back completely to the plate, showing his number to the hitter before coming nearly straight over the top. His arm motion is extremely quick. The deception in his delivery aids his sinking fastball, and the arm slot gives his curveball a big, straight break. From the stretch, he is fairly quick, and will give his catcher a chance if a runner decides to test.

Despite the funk in his delivery, Law doesn’t have much trouble with his release point. The consistency is evidenced by a career 2.7 BB/9 rate, and 11.6 K/9 rate.

Derek’s pitching pedigree may come from his father, Joe Law. The elder pitcher spent eight seasons in the Oakland Athletics’ organization as a swingman pitcher. He was even called up to the big league roster for a cup of coffee in 1988, but he didn’t appear in a game.

The younger Law won’t be ready for Spring Training in 2015. The normal rehab period for Tommy John surgery is 12-to-18 months. If Law is on the 12-month track, he should begin making rehab appearances in late-June or early-July. However, if he falls into the higher end of the scale, he may not pitch at all in 2015. At this point, it comes down to how Law feels, and how quickly the Giants’ medical staff wants to progress  him.

Tommy John surgery is no longer a death-note for pitchers. If anything, pitchers have begun to return stronger than ever. If that’s the case for Law, hitters need to beware.