Topic: Dustin McGowan

Dustin Michael McGowan (born March 24, 1982, Savannah, Georgia) is a baseball player, currently a pitcher for Toronto Blue Jays. Drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays out of Long County High School in Ludowici, in the 1st round with 33rd pick of the draft on June 4, 2000. He made his major-league debut on July 30, 2005 against the Texas Rangers and received a no decision in an impressive performance when he logged 5 innings, allowing just 1 run while striking out 6, the most number of strikeouts by a Toronto starter in his Major League debut..

McGowan throws primarily a four-seam fastball in the 94-96mph range and sometimes as fast as 98mph. He uses his above-average velocity fastball to challenge hitters at the plate, and throws a sinking fastball as well a 4-seamer. McGowan also throws a hard slider that ranges in the high 80s to 90mph, a power curve with great tumbling action, and a change-up with good late movement as well.

One of McGowan's vulnerabilities is his slow delivery, as his high leg kick makes him susceptible to base-stealers. McGowan allowed 29 stolen bases in 27 starts in 2007, and only one runner was caught stealing while he was on the mound.