MESA, Ariz. - A.J. Puk, the A’s top pitching prospect, was on the mound Thursday at Fitch Park, and he’s drawing some lofty comparisons.
A’s manager Bob Melvin cautioned against unrealistic expectations, but when asked to name a starter similar to the 6-foot-7 left-hander, Melvin mentioned Hall of Famer Randy Johnson.
“The obvious guy is the guy I managed in Arizona,” Melvin said. “You had to put that kind of expectations or comp on a guy but there are some similarities, maybe a little different arm angle. But the hair the whole bit and the height and the velocity.