Foothill’s Hughes Is a Can’t-Miss Pitcher

Phil Hughes is a freak. It’s the best description for a 17-year-old pitcher who can throw a fastball 94 mph while walking only one batter in 43 innings.

Hughes, a senior right-hander at Santa Ana Foothill, figures to be the first high school pitcher selected from Southern California in the June 7 amateur draft.

His major league velocity combined with his ability to throw strikes is rare for a power-pitching teenager. In fact, in more than 25 years covering high school sports, I can’t remember another pitcher who threw so hard with such amazing control.

So many times, scouts recommend drafting players who throw 90 mph or better but can’t put together an inning without a walk.

Hughes already understands the importance of throwing strikes.

“His mechanics are so smooth he pretty much knows where the ball is going, and he’s so mentally tough he doesn’t give in,” Foothill pitching coach Iran Novick said. “That’s his mind-set. He’s going to make the hitter prove he’s better.”

Two weeks ago, Hughes threw a perfect game against Laguna Hills, with 62 strikes among his 78 pitches.

On Wednesday, in a 2-0 victory over Newport Harbor, he struck out 10 with no walks. He hasn’t given up an earned run since March 6.

This season, he’s 7-0 with 62 strikeouts and a 0.49 earned-run average. In two seasons, he’s 19-0 with a 0.67 ERA.

He’s 6 feet 5, weighs 225 pounds and keeps getting better.

While the velocity on his fastball creates oohs and ahs, it’s his slider that makes him dominant. It comes toward the plate looking like a fastball, then dives away from the strike zone at more than 82 mph.

“I can probably throw my slider to a spot better than a fastball,” Hughes said.

Hughes believes his reputation has allowed him to avoid walks because hitters don’t want to leave the batter’s box without testing themselves.

“Part of it is this tag on me,” he said. “Whenever I’m facing a team, they always want to hit me bad and they’re not very patient.”

But it’s an extraordinary accomplishment to throw so hard and be able to throw so many strikes at such a young age.

Maturity on and off the mound are two of Hughes’ greatest assets.

“His composure and demeanor on the mound is better than any high school pitcher I’ve seen,” Foothill Coach Gary Fishel said.

For almost a year, Hughes has been dealing with the scrutiny and expectations of pitching before scouts who monitor his every move.

“It can be a little overwhelming at times,” he said. “I just try to block it out.”

Even though he has signed with Santa Clara, it’s clear that professional baseball beckons.

“Who wouldn’t want to get paid for what you’ve been doing forever?” he said.

While watching the Dodger-Giant game on television, he can imagine himself one day on the mound.

Asked how he’d pitch to Barry Bonds, Hughes said, “I’d probably start off with a lot of changeups away and maybe if I got two strikes, I’d bust him with a fastball under the hands and see what he can do.”

There is much anticipation among friends as the June draft approaches, but Hughes understands he can’t lose focus.

“It’s pretty exciting, but if I start thinking about it too much, it will take away from what I’m trying to do on the field,” he said.

Friends keep reminding him that they want free tickets “when you make it.”

Hughes makes no promises because he knows he has much to learn and much to prove.

But for someone who doesn’t turn 18 until June 24 and can throw a fastball consistently -- and accurately -- above 90 mph, his future looks bright.

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College and pro scouts complain about the lack of quality catchers. Bryan Anderson of Simi Valley is the answer to their prayers.

Anderson, a left-handed hitting junior, is rising fast on the list of top prospects for 2005.

“He’s the best player in the league,” Newbury Park Coach Scott Drootin said.

Anderson had a home run and double Wednesday in a Marmonte League game against Calabasas. But fielding is his real strength.

“Balls don’t get by him,” Simi Valley Coach Matt LaBelle said.

Anderson has picked off at least eight baserunners with throws to first, second or third. Teams rarely try to steal bases on him.

“He’s probably the best kid I’ve ever coached,” LaBelle said.

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Eric Sondheimer can be reached at eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.