Feb 25, 2014; Maryvale, AZ, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher David Goforth (77) throws during a Spring Training inter-squad practice game at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
Our stop on the Reviewing the Brew Top Prospect list takes us back to Huntsville where we check in on our ninth ranked prospect, closer David Goforth.
The Brewers selected Goforth in the seventh round of the 2011 draft out of University of Mississippi. Following his selection, the Brewers sent Goforth to Helena in the Pioneer league where he concluded 2011. While his stats were nothing to celebrate, Goforth began 2012 in Low A Wisconsin, playing for the Timber Rattlers. While at Wisconsin Goforth went 10-8 with a 4.66 earned run average in 28 starts.
Goforth continued his rise within the Brewers system joining the Manatees rotation to kick off the 2013 season. While in Viera, Goforth started 14 games going 7-5 with a 3.10 earned run average. His start to 2013 earned him a promotion to Double A Huntsville and a new role. Goforth cemented himself as a legitimate prospect with a move into the bullpen and eventually by securing the closer role for the Stars to conclude 2013. He finished the season with going 4-3 with a 3.28 earned run average.
Goforth returned to Huntsville for a second season in 2014 filling the backend of the Stars bullpen. So far through 47 games, Goforth has a 5-3 record with a 3.05 earned run average. While he has not been spectacular he has been solid.
The right handed entered this season as a “under the radar” candidate for the bullpen in Milwaukee. While his 94 mph fastball with above average cutter makes him a viable candidate for a bullpen in the future his development of his secondary pitches will be critical to his success. At 25 years old, Goforth has advanced quickly but still has not yet reached Triple A. This off-season will hold a lot of answers to these questions as Goforth figures to get a chance to showcase his talent this year in spring training.