The Potential Tools: 55 FB, 60 CB, 50 CH, 50 Command

Strengths: Broad, durable starters’ build; fastball will work in the low 90s and touch higher; downhill with some arm-side run in lower-velocity band; Curveball is tight with sharp break, 11-to-5 shape; ability to throw it for strike and as chase pitch; will pitch backwards with it; true feel for curve – will miss MLB bats; Changeup plays well off of fastball; fading action to arm-side; workable third pitch; shows command within zone at times and intelligence to pitch around if command isn’t there; solid pitchability; average command projection; fixed mechanical issues at end of year – more online and was able to consistently repeat.

Weaknesses: Below-average command at present; can revert back to crossfire delivery at times; changeup has consistent movement and is present below average; loses feel for change from start-to-start; can become too reliant on curve at times – falls in love with the pitch; fastball can get squared-up if elevated.

Role Ceiling: 50; #4 SP.

Risk: Moderate; needs consistency with delivery and command improvement in upper minors.

Summary: A freak bus accident caused Sims to miss nearly two months of last season. Post-injury, he worked on smoothing out his delivery and command and saw positive results all the way into the Arizona Fall League. While his fastball will flash higher than solid average, it tends to flatten and get squared more often in the higher velocity band. Sims’ major league out pitch is clearly his curveball but at times he becomes too reliant on it. Overall, Sims has a solid three-pitch mix and with his refined delivery, his command projects to be average making his ceiling a solid back-end starter.