Jon Woodcock is Virginia Tech’s Next Star Pitcher

May 26, 2013; Durham, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies starting pitcher Eddie Campbell (26) delivers a pitch against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the ACC baseball tournament at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies might have had a rough baseball season but there were definitely some bright spots on this team. Mark Zagunis had an impressive season that could allow him to be the All-ACC First Team catcher and is a serious contender for the Johnny Bench Award. Saige Jenco is also a star for the future while Brad Markey finished up his career with a very strong senior season. There is another pitcher who also had a very good season and is definitely has a very promising future.

Jon Woodcock was quite dominant in 2013 at small Crowder College and was clearly ready for competing on a bigger stage in the ACC. Jon Woodcock was an unknown just like redshirt freshman Saige Jenco but now, many people will probably know about how the redshirt sophomore Woodcock can be a big piece for the future.

Jon Woodcock was probably the most dominant pitcher for the Hokies this past season and while Woodcock didn’t have the lowest ERA, opposing hitters had a batting average of .199. This is insanely impressive and the type of number that shows a pitcher that has a lot of room to become even better. Woodcock also had 36 strikeouts in 43.2 innings which is an average of 7.42 strikeouts per 9 innings. Woodcock’s 3.71 ERA is very good also along with how he only gave up 1 home run all season which is very good for pitching 43.2 innings.

Jon Woodcock has the potential to be a very good starting pitcher with the strikeout rate he has and the lack of home runs that he has given up. Jon Woodcock was prmarily a reliever this past year but Woodcock also made 5 starts so he also has some understanding of pitch management over the course of 5 or 6 innings compared to just one. Woodcock also had 2 complete games in 2013 when he was at Crowder College so he knows how to get it done.

However, Jon Woodcock still has some work to do with his control as Woodcock had 28 walks last year which is way too high. Patrick Mason will have some work to do with Woodcock and Hokie fans should expect that Woodcock will be able to improve his control. If Woodcock’s control doesn’t progress as well as expected, he could still be a strikeout closer that the Hokies seemed to lack with 6 different pitchers including Woodcock garnering saves this past season. Jon Woodcock has great upside and will be a big part of the future for the Hokies.

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